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The Children of Auriga: Love's Legacy through Time and Space
Three children escaped; their parents did not. Now fully grown - one silent, one hurting, one guilty - they must run again, this time with human help. Hunted from the Auriga constellation to seventeenth century Earth, to the planet Avergne... can they survive old enemies and new?
Of the three Wrenn-Albans who eluded the Aurigan military, Liss is mute, her voice silenced by a debilitating drain on her power during their escape; Adz is hurting and blames his father as he falls into a downward spiral of drunkenness and sexual excess; Bess is consumed by guilt at her inability to keep her promise to make the other two understand why things had to be the way they were at the very end.
Edward Gomfrey, once Bess's lover, should have been the person to help her bear the burden, but he has become a vindictive, self-seeking and controlling enemy. In his view Bess should have handfasted with him, should obey him in everything. And he's plotting to get rid of her brother... permanently.
Watching Bess's misery is a human stableman... Will Allerton. He is no stranger to misfortune - he was one of those held in the slave work-camp in Auriga and, after his return, his wife died in childbirth when an Aurigan medic was denied her by Edward. Over the years, Will has fallen in love with Bess, but wonders how an Aurigan and a human can ever be together, fearful that he will lose her friendship if he declares his wish to marry her.
The Children of Auriga: Love's Legacy through Time and Space (Bess's Story) follows on from the tragic events of the last book in the Anstey's Kingdom trilogy: Anstey's Legacy: No Greater Love.
Of the three Wrenn-Albans who eluded the Aurigan military, Liss is mute, her voice silenced by a debilitating drain on her power during their escape; Adz is hurting and blames his father as he falls into a downward spiral of drunkenness and sexual excess; Bess is consumed by guilt at her inability to keep her promise to make the other two understand why things had to be the way they were at the very end.
Edward Gomfrey, once Bess's lover, should have been the person to help her bear the burden, but he has become a vindictive, self-seeking and controlling enemy. In his view Bess should have handfasted with him, should obey him in everything. And he's plotting to get rid of her brother... permanently.
Watching Bess's misery is a human stableman... Will Allerton. He is no stranger to misfortune - he was one of those held in the slave work-camp in Auriga and, after his return, his wife died in childbirth when an Aurigan medic was denied her by Edward. Over the years, Will has fallen in love with Bess, but wonders how an Aurigan and a human can ever be together, fearful that he will lose her friendship if he declares his wish to marry her.
The Children of Auriga: Love's Legacy through Time and Space (Bess's Story) follows on from the tragic events of the last book in the Anstey's Kingdom trilogy: Anstey's Legacy: No Greater Love.
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2021
About the author
Susan Hancock
7 books30 followersSusan Hancock PhD, is a former University Lecturer who has written and published academic non-fiction over a number of years. She gave up teaching in order to concentrate on her battle with a cancer which is now fortunately dormant. Fingers crossed.
In a surprising move, she became obsessed with the idea of writing a novel for adults and ended up writing three, the Anstey’s Kingdom trilogy. She has discovered that characters are hard taskmasters, determined that their stories should be told. It is not uncommon to find her in tears at the laptop when something dreadful happens to one or other of them. But they and she understand that some things cannot be changed.
In a surprising move, she became obsessed with the idea of writing a novel for adults and ended up writing three, the Anstey’s Kingdom trilogy. She has discovered that characters are hard taskmasters, determined that their stories should be told. It is not uncommon to find her in tears at the laptop when something dreadful happens to one or other of them. But they and she understand that some things cannot be changed.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 4, 2022
This sequel is an excellent follow up to the Anstey’s Kingdom Trilogy, however the original trilogy really does need to be read first as otherwise there are major spoilers. Bess, Lis and Ads are all reeling after the events of Anstey’s Legacy. Lis has been rendered mute due to the use of her power. Ads is traumatized and angry. Bess feels immense guilt. Bess’s teenage love, Edward… has changed, and is now behaving abusively to Ads, and is trying to control Bess. Will, a human, has chemistry with Bess, but as a human, wonders if their relationship would be doomed before it could start?
I really liked seeing more of Bess in this book because she’s always been a favorite character of mine throughout the series, and I liked the match of her with Will. As usual, author Susan Hancock plots out clever storytelling with excellent action, devious villains, situations where I’m never sure how my favorite characters will escape, and love stories I want to root for. I wanted to grit my teeth and bite someone when the male Aurigan informed Bess she needed to put on her white robe and behave like a good little female if she ever wanted to see her sister again. Some exciting revelations near the end about certain characters that have me needing the next sequel as soon as possible! Every installment of this series is solidly written and I find myself more attached to the characters and the brilliant fantasy world Susan Hancock has created with each book. I am excited to see what comes next for this world in the upcoming prequel novel.
I really liked seeing more of Bess in this book because she’s always been a favorite character of mine throughout the series, and I liked the match of her with Will. As usual, author Susan Hancock plots out clever storytelling with excellent action, devious villains, situations where I’m never sure how my favorite characters will escape, and love stories I want to root for. I wanted to grit my teeth and bite someone when the male Aurigan informed Bess she needed to put on her white robe and behave like a good little female if she ever wanted to see her sister again. Some exciting revelations near the end about certain characters that have me needing the next sequel as soon as possible! Every installment of this series is solidly written and I find myself more attached to the characters and the brilliant fantasy world Susan Hancock has created with each book. I am excited to see what comes next for this world in the upcoming prequel novel.
January 15, 2022
This story is the sequel to the Anstey's Kingdom trilogy, and as such, reading the trilogy first is advised.
A thoroughly enjoyable book, it brings us the adventures of Kat and Thomas' children, and their friends and partners, giving us an insight on what happens to them after they have grown up. As ever, the book is not for the faint of heart, as it deals with tough topics, but it is milder than the trilogy. Again, the unique blend of genres makes this book stand out. It also brings a nice closure to the trilogy which is more than welcome.
A great read.
A thoroughly enjoyable book, it brings us the adventures of Kat and Thomas' children, and their friends and partners, giving us an insight on what happens to them after they have grown up. As ever, the book is not for the faint of heart, as it deals with tough topics, but it is milder than the trilogy. Again, the unique blend of genres makes this book stand out. It also brings a nice closure to the trilogy which is more than welcome.
A great read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews