
The Alpha-Protector and a team comprising members of almost all of the magic factions have banded together to search for and investigate the former powerful wizard Lady Bethesda, who was presumed killed in an explosion she is thought to have caused at the Wizard Registry, some decades ago. As Tasia and Raoul are drawn closer together and seemed determined to explore the feelings they clearly have for each other, problems await their burgeoning romance. Can this team of disparate Magic’s work successfully together to find and destroy the evil Lady Bethesda before she is able to gather her three daughters together and seize ultimate power of the magic world?
As always, in this series, Landon has a multitude of complicated plots, sub-plots, along with a vast array of characters to make up this fascinating, twisting and turning saga. Her ability, as an author, to keep all these balls in the air and not confuse herself or the reader is what marks her as a remarkable writer and a true star in this genre, not to even mention the Science Fiction genre which she dabbles brilliantly in, also. That is why, as a reader, I am first in line to grab her books when they are published. Her writing style is extremely descriptive and particularly emotive. She is able to draw a reader in and feel the character’s underlying emotions, be they male or female. Again, this is a sign of the skill of an author that he/she can empathise with and accurately portray the motivations and emotions of both sexes, so well.
In this iteration of the adventure, Tasia is finally coming to terms with living as part of a Wyr pack and the difficulties that entails. As an integral part of the investigation team there is a synchronicity and meshing of ideals and ideas that you would not expect from a group made up of Wizards, Wyrs, and First Ones who have all spent generations keeping their own counsel and guarding their secrets jealously. The intrigue and byplay that goes along with this is part of what makes the read so enjoyable as well as what makes it flow so well.
What I particularly love about all of Landon’s work is the character development and especially her leading ladies. Tasia, is no exception to this. She is a strong-willed, self-controlled, and powerful but vulnerable woman who has accepted her solitude in life due to her unique heritage but Landon beautifully brings out the softer, sweeter side of the woman, who really just wants to be accepted, to be part of something bigger than herself and most of all, to be loved. Raoul, the stern, taciturn, extremely violent, Alpha-Protector, who has every reason to hate wizards, with a passion, is also capable of extreme kindness, generosity, empathy, and yes, perhaps even love. The sexual tension between these two characters has always been the highlight of Landon’s series.
Although this can be read as a stand-alone adventure, I would recommend reading the series in order – for two reasons: Firstly, it is fantastic to see the development of the character relationships over the three books and it gives you a much better understanding and background to the story basis. Secondly, because they simply are fantastic books and so, why wouldn’t you want to read them? That being said, if you pick up this book first, make sure you read the glossary at the end before starting, so you can understand the characters and how they fit into the story. It will make your read even more satisfying.
I had expected that this book, The Siren, would be the final episode in the Saga of the Chosen, but author Landon had other ideas for me. This book will end in a poignancy that will tear at regular followers of this tale’s heartstrings. But, fear not, Landon assures us the next installment, The Palladin, will not be long in coming. She also hints there may be a fifth episode of this wonderfully exciting and innovative tale, so that is definitely something for us devoted fans of these characters to look forward to. I cannot wait to get my hands on The Palladin – get writing Petra!
