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Can Their Love Overcome Hatred? Eyes of the Seer (The Derbfine Series Book 2) by @AshleyYork1066 #bo


Title: Eyes of the Seer (The Derbfine Series Book 2)

Author: Ashley York

Genre: Historical Romance, Medieval Romance

Book Blurb:

In ancient Éire, men and women take to the legends for answers. Different-colored eyes are the mark of a Seer, it is said, and those who can see the future are in league with the devil. They cannot be suffered to live.

He wishes to prove himself…

Marcán of Clonascra bears the bloodline of Brian Boru, the legendary high king, and his prowess as a warrior has earned him great respect. But he was born with different-colored eyes, and there are some who would have him suffer a Seer’s fate. His fiercest adversary is Beibhinn, mother to Diarmuid, his close friend and king, and Astrid, the woman who holds his heart. If Astrid ever showed him any interest, he would fight Beibhinn and any army to wed her.

She is desperate to escape…

Astrid is sick of her mother’s belittling, but her brother is in no hurry see her married, so she decides to see to her own match-making. The man she approaches quickly reveals his lack of honor, but her overbearing mother pushes her to wed him anyway. When Astrid discovers Marcán’s love for her, she realizes that what she wants has been in front of her all along. True happiness awaits them, but only if they can put a stop to her mother’s plans.

My Review:

Astrid has been under her mother’s thumb from the time she was small. She tries to please Beibhinn but when her mother thrusts Astrid into the arms of a lecherous man with no morals, she’s torn between duty and self-preservation. Her brother Diarmuid is far too busy with his own happy marriage (read his story in Curse of the Healer) to see she’s properly married to a man who’ll be a good match and treat her with respect and honor. Then there’s her bodyguard and warrior, Marcan, who’s always around watching her like a hawk.

Marcan is an honorable man, fierce warrior whose ancestor is none other than legendary Brian Boru. He’s well-respected, even though he bears a genetic trait that most seers have: different colored eyes. His heart, though, belongs to Astrid. She doesn’t know he exists, except as her brother’s close friend. All she has to do is say yes and he’ll fight anyone who stood in their way, even Beibhinn.

Astrid realizes almost too late her feelings for Marcan and in a moment of passion, confesses her love. Now together, they confront Beibhinn to disastrous consequences. Can their love overcome hatred or will Astrid and Marcan be ripped from each other forever?

Another moving historical romance by Ashley York. I know I’ve said this before, but reading York’s books is like taking a step back in history. From the first page, I was swept away. The narration was so rich, so vivid, I swear I was sitting next to Astrid and Marcan.

I like a good antagonist but I utterly despised Beibhinn. She’s a vindictive, miserable person and I wanted bad things to happen to her. She’s the epitome of selfishness and greed. Such a contrast from Marcan.

If you love sweeping historical romances, pick this up today! While it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Favorite Character/Quote: Marcan. I loved how strong he was yet had a loving, sensitive heart. He was such a wonderfully complex character and seemed to bring out the best and worst in Astrid. His protectiveness of her throughout the book made me swoon. Every woman deserves a man to love her like Marcan loves Astrid.

My Rating: 5 stars

Buy it now:

Author Biography:

Aside from two years spent in the wilds of the Colorado mountains, Ashley York is a proud life-long New Englander and a hardcore romantic. She has an MA in History which brings with it, through many years of research, a love for primary documents and the smell of musty old libraries. With her author’s imagination, she likes to write about people who could have lived alongside those well-known giants from the past.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @ashleyyork1066

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

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