The Wizard’s Daughter

Reviewed by Ashley Merrill

At first glance of the cover art of this book, I thought it was going to be a teen fantasy book. What I realized after the first chapter that it was far from a book for teens to read; this was strictly for adults. Even though the cover art threw me for a loop and made me expect something different than what I got, I am not disappointed in the story.  I think Victoria Graydale did a great job creating a lovely story.

Phaedra has been taking care of Millie since they were children.  At birth, Phaedra’s mother died and a wizard took pity on her father and brought Phaedra to Lord and Lady Alcock. She grew up with their daughter, who was around the same age as she.  Due to a childhood illness, Millie’s body grew up to that of a lady, but her mind stayed immature and innocent. Phaedra knew that Millie’s father wanted her to marry, and vowed to only let her marry someone who would treat Millie right and not take advantage of her.

Phaedra is kidnapped by a man named Adrian and taken to Cedrik, an evil man who wants to marry Millie, by force if necessary.  Adrian realizes the terrible mistake he has made; He kidnapped the wrong woman! Mistaking Phaedra for Millie, he realizes that this mistake could be fatal; Cedrik does not take kindly to such mistakes. Both Adrian and Phaedra decide that it is in the best interest of everyone to get Millie and take her to the wizard so that she can be safe from the grasp of Cedrik. Phaedra is doing this for Millie, and Adrian is doing it to save his own hide from the wraith of Cedrik.

As their journey takes them further and further away from Cedrik, Phaedra and Adrian start to realize just how much they really care for each other. Will they be able to reconcile their differences and fall in love, or will Phaedra’s stubbornness and Adrian’s gruffness push each other further and further apart?

Victoria Graydale does a great job at the cat and mouse game with these two characters’.  One minute you are sure that they will fall into each others’ arms and consummate their love, and in the next they are in a fight and cannot stand to look at each other.  I found her writing to be very seductive, and always leave you waiting for the next encounter between Adrian and Phaedra.  

This story does not go into great detail, and it not drawn out; in fact, it is a very fast paced novel that would be great to read front to back on a rainy day. It all takes place in just a few days time, and involves just one big adventure.  You get just enough fighting, loving, and mystery to make this a great story. I would recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy, and a good love story.