Mistwood by Leah Cypess

Book Summery:

The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwood. But when she is needed she always comes. Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.
Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty—because without it, she may be his greatest threat.
Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them. Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew. -goodreads.com

Book Trailer:



Book Review:
I wanted to like this one more than I actually did. I read a raving review a while back and then had a difficult time finding the book. When I finally found a single copy at my bookstore, I jumped up and down with glee. I felt like I had struck gold. The premise sounded sooooo good...spells, dynasty, betrayal, supernatural beings, love, sorcerers...I mean who wouldn't want to read this book? I opened to the first page and eagerly began reading. It didn't take long for my eagerness and anticipation to fade. The characters were flat and difficult to identify with. I felt like I was constantly being told HOW I should be regarding the characters instead of watching them unfold within the pages themselves. I had the most difficulty with the shifter herself. She would think one thing, and then say or do another. Her character felt hollow and aimless. The one character I enjoyed the most got killed off rather quickly and unnecessarily. There were a few things that I did like....there are a few good twists in the plot that I didn't see coming. Also, I did enjoy learning about the royal family and the true identity of the shifter through the shifters' flashbacks, but I felt like they were to few and far in between. Perhaps if I hadn't had SUCH high hopes, I wouldn't had been AS disappointed. However, I don't think I'll be as eager to pick up the follow-up companion book Nightspell. You can read more about Mistwood and Nightspell at the author's website.

Favorite Quote:

"She knew every inch of the forest, every narrow path that twisted and wound its way beneath the silver branches. They never should have found her." (p. 1)

Cover Art Commentary:
The colors are beautiful. I would have liked to see more of the castle though. It seems to fade into the background.

Overall Rating: