Ley Lines

Wise Ones #2

by Lisa Lowell

A gifted healer accused of a crime she isn't guilty of; a talented magician hunted by dark forces - in the second book in the Wise Ones series, unknowing players are entangled in a deceptive game. When an attempt to heal a villager's broken leg goes awry, Gailin is accused of witchcraft and sentenced to hang. Driven by mystic instinct, skillful magician Vamilion walks 300 miles in a week to save her - and set in motion a series of events that will change their fates forever. In Ley Lines, two new pawns are woven into a game of magic and manipulation they don't even know they're playing. As new trials are suffered, thirsts for magic develop and unintended consequences emerge. Will the Wise Ones find a way to save themselves - and defeat the forces determined to tear them apart?

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Gailin wanted to do was help people. She had dedicated her life to learning healing, to treating the sick and injured. But when a patient dies she is convicted of witchcraft and sentenced to hang by the neck until dead. What looked to be the end of her life wound up to be a new beginning. Her saviour imbues her with a gift she was destined to carry but was forced to flee before he could explain her calling. Now the eyes of a dark sorcerer have fallen upon her, seeking to take advantage of her gift while planning to invite an invasion to harness the magic of this land. Her saviour was destined to love her, but already wed he made a solemn oath to be faithful, a vow which left Gailan vulnerable. Can she survive and unlock all she must to survive, or will the dark force seeking to claim her turn her to his even whim?

Ley Lines is book 2 in Lisa Lowell's The Wise Ones, but, reading it, I hadn't realised it was part of an already existing series as it operates brilliantly as a stand-alone read. I found the third-person narrative well-paced and gripping while the descriptions added depth and imaginative world building to an incredible world. I enjoyed the different magic systems and the thought that had been employed as to how each one worked and fed power to those utilising it. The characters are vibrant, each bringing their own complexities to the plot. Engaging, compelling, and addictive, this is a book I found difficult to put down. I had to know what would become of Gailian as Drake used her name and magic against her to his own ends while Vamilion, against his desire to be with her, put a dangerous distance between them in order to remain faithful to his wife and avoid the compulsion to be with his mate. Engaging beginning to end, this will satisfy romance and fantasy lovers alike.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa had a table next to mine at a recent author festival, and after chatting with her for a while, I decided to buy two of her books. I don't read much fantasy, but I enjoy her storytelling and world-building talents. This book is about a woman who discovers her magical powers and her growth in using them while overcoming some challenging obstacles - primarily escaping an evil being who lures her into marrying him.

[Janice Smith-gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise Ones Book 2

Another great story. This one is along the same lines as the first book, only with different characters. Still a good read.