THE PRINCE is the latest release in Tiffany Reisz's Original Sinners series and I can hardly believe how much more enamored I am with the characters and story with each subsequent book. Instead of the fatigue that sometimes comes along with characters and storylines where you wonder where else the author could plausibly lead you, this series get more and more fascinating with each layer that's peeled back. Even though the Original Sinners might be classified as BDSM because of the lifestyles portrayed, I've found them to be very sensual rather than explicit.
THE SIREN introduced our cast, characters sprung masterfully and fully formed like Athena from the forehead of Zeus. Each book has focused on one or two characters in this beautiful tapestry of lives lived on the edge. THE ANGEL gave us more insight into the history of our beloved sinners and with THE PRINCE, things get really juicy. The prince referred to in the title could be Father Stearns, Jesuit priest and prince of the church. Or it could be Wes Railey, Nora's darling precocious roommate, earlier revealed to be the sole heir to a wealthy southern horse racing dynasty and aptly nicknamed The Prince of Kentucky. Or it could be Kingsley Edge, the machiavellian prince of New York's underground scene, whose history with Nora Sutherlin and Soren seems to be key in all the books.
We learn how Soren and Kingsley met and the story flashes between their past and a threat from that time, brought out in the present. Nora is given Soren's blessing to reunite with Wesley and we see our favorite writer out of her element but still maintaining control. There is also an unnamed, unseen threat to the three principals resurrected from Soren and Kingsley's past casting a shadow over the proceedings.
I don't want to give too much away except to say that THE PRINCE deals with the beginnings of our characters relationships. I stress the word relationships, instead of friendships and acquaintances, though those are there too but it's the relationships that entangled them together which will keep you reading. Ms. Reisz has once again proven that she's a formidable, sophisticated talent able to blend elements of romance, mystery,suspense, sensuality and pathos. Very literary and I think she's well on her way to being the Henry James of her era.
So, if you can get your hands on a copy of THE PRINCE, please do. This is a must read.
What's on your nightstand?? I'm tackling Sharon Shinn's THE SHAPE OF DESIRE when I should be writing ;-).
2 comments:
Pamala,
I read THE SIREN earlier this year and was *blown away* by how well-written and compelling it was. The only reason I haven't continued with the series yet has been time constraints, but, clearly, especially after reading your review, I know I need to get THE ANGEL and THE PRINCE, too!!
I think you'll enjoy both books, Marilyn. It is a very compelling series that just keeps getting better. Let me know what you think once you've had time to read them.
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