Prince Hanarom, prince of the elves, is heading out to help his friends conquer the enemies and keep his lands safe for his people. He is two hundred two years old, and his mother thinks it is time for him to remarry and produce an heir. But Hanarom is not interested.
Lady Kaiya of Seriador is human, and she can’t figure out why her father is determined to marry her off, especially when she’s not ready. After rejecting each suitor her father has put before her, she is finally sold off as a whore, and taken from her lands.
This is a story of love, intrigue and murder, where elves, beasts and humans war with one another in trying to keep their lands and people free. This is a love story between an elf and a human who come together in the middle of all the war and intrigue and who fall deeply in love.
This is an absolutely beautiful story with twists and turns at every corner. Ms. Hatfield has beautifully woven whispers of attraction and sweetness throughout this fantasy culminating in a cacophony or romance. This is truly an enchanting magical love story, a happily-ever-after if I’ve ever read one. The fantasy is beautiful; to watch two people from different races come together in love despite all odds. Truly beautiful! The scenes of love, beauty, discord and sadness are magnificently portrayed. This is a must read for all fantasy lovers and all romantics. Beautiful story, Ms. Hatfield, well done.
"Fantasy fans will slip into "A Magical Encounter," as if they are stepping over the threshold to a strange fairyland themselves. For all it is a far far world, the main character, Hanoram, experiences the absolutely classic family pressure to marry. He may be both Elf Prince and warrior, but there's no ignoring one's mother. He'd prefer to spend time with his horse, Yano, or friend and second, Felanir.
Human woman Kaiya experiences greater - shall we say - negative pressure, and finds herself abruptly forced to make her way on her own. Her resourcefulness and courage make her the strong woman character we hope to find, and cannot help but admire. Their first meeting is everything that could be imagined - their eyes meet, he recognizes her terrible pain and fear. She sees before her one of the elves she's heard stories about. Yet, there it is, she is one race, and he another. What happens in the next moments will not only effect the two of them... but the whole of Duchy of Seriador.
Dialogue in "A Magical Encounter," is strong and heartfelt. More impressive is the world Hatfield creates. It is easy to imagine young Kaiya's room high in the keep, the drapes fluttering in the gentle breezes caught by the castle's high windows. You can imagine the place as surely as you can imagine the soft fabrics between your fingers. Small details recieve close attention as well; like the flask decorated with wrought vines and berries, or the taste of honey-ed wine. "A Magical Encounter," is full of powerful emotion and evocative moments in the heart of the dark forest.
I was left hoping Hatfield produces another work of elfin magic. Soon."
Kaiya Gilbraith’s father, the Duke, is anything but parental towards her. The Duke is determined to marry her off to the highest bidder to cover his debt. When Kaiya keeps rejecting all her suitors, it does not make him feel any warmer towards her. Poor Kaiya is betrayed by the Duke, only to find herself in a situation that is beyond all hope.
Hope and love arrive in the form of an Elfin warrior. Hanarom Avindaul has spent years fighting to save his people and lands, while defending the innocent and helpless. Although he has rescued many fair damsels, Kaiya is different from any woman he has ever met, mortal or immortal. There is no denying his heart, and he could never leave her to the horror that has become her life.
A Magical Encounter is romance-meets-fantasy at its finest. The villains were beyond psychological and social rehabilitation, and the lovers are captivating without being syrupy sweet. The bad guy stalks Kaiya every step of the way, and you are often on the edge of your seat scared for her while hoping that Hanarom will administer a major beat down to the scumbag.
Although Hanarom is an Elf, he’s depicted as another race in the sense of the Lord Of The Rings characters. I might even suggest that he would give Legolas a run for his money on sex appeal. He and Kaiya form an instant connection through their strong character, love of nature and sense of honor. The trials and dangers they encounter really bring them closer. It’s refreshing to see Kaiya save and defend Hanarom nearly as often as he does her. In so many different ways, Ms. Hatfield depicts them as equals, and does a great job of uniting two very different people together by playing up their similarities. The love scenes are passionate, sultry and sensuously written.
Overall, A Magical Encounter delivered on adventure and romance, and more than earned its HEA. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a successful melding of these genres.