A Distant Magic
Mary Jo Putney
Del Rey, Jul 2007, $24.95, ISBN: 0345476913
reviewed by Harriet Klausner

In the Mediterranean Sea, pirate Captain Nikolai Gregorio kidnaps Scottish Guardian Jean Macrae out of a thirst for revenge. Two decades ago Jean’s father wronged Nikolai, or at least he believes the man did.

Although he has some magical skills, Nikolai is unprepared for the prowess of the Guardian he holds prisoner. He especially cannot understand his attraction to the daughter of his enemy. Meanwhile Jean sees the inherent good inside her captor as he only attacks slave ships in order to free the slaves taking those less fortunate to a haven. As they fall in love, freed slave Adia Adams comes from 1787 to 1753 to enlist their help in protecting the newly formed abolitionist movement.

The third Guardians historical romantic fantasy (see A KISS OF FATE and STOLEN MAGIC) is a fabulous thriller that uses magic (to include time traveling) that enhances a strong look at eighteenth century slavery issue. The strong relationship between the lad characters changes over the course of the exciting story line, but it is the astute subplot involving the relatively new abolitionist movement that grips readers. Mary Jo Putney’s fans and anyone who appreciates a thought provoking tale will want to read the well written A DISTANT MAGIC.