TO PURCHASEREVIEW #1
First torn apart by her parents, then by a destiny they cannot control, Bronwyn McGregor and Sean Cullen face virtually insurmountable odds to find a life together. As young as eleven years, Sean would have done anything, accepted any punishment, to protect Bronnie. Her parents hoped she and Sean would loose interest in one another; instead, their love only increased over time. She?s the daughter of a doctor and well-respected family; he?s the son of an alcoholic butcher known to beat his wife and son. Then she turns sixteen, and he turns eighteen, and her father serves the ultimatum that they must not see one another. Despite his desire to be with Bronnie, destiny takes Sean overseas where he enters a dangerous world. Soon he learns he is a Reaper. His bond with Bronnie is eternal because, like wolves, Reapers only bond once. As Sean struggles with the loss of the love of his life, Bronnie likewise mourns. Unknowingly, her grief calls a Nightwind. Bronnie is the last of the McGregor women bound to the Nightwind by grief and history. Now only fate and perseverance can determine who will win Bronwyn McGregor. As painful and destructive events unfold, destiny threatens to keep the Reaper and Bronnie apart forever. Unlike many of her novels, Charlotte Boyett-Compo sets BLACKWIND firmly in the present, although it does have an unusual plot twist firmly linking it to many years in the past. Fans of NIGHTWIND will recognize the mythological and familial ties to BLACKWIND, and enjoy learning more of the Nightwinds. Fans of BLOODWIND and DARKWIND will likewise recognize Reapers, and enjoy the historical explanation of what brought Reapers to earth. Indeed, the blending of the two series, The WindDemon Trilogy and The HellWind Trilogy, will not only earn Boyett-Compo new fans, but will deepen long-time fans? fascination with Boyett-Compo?s work. All readers will find BLACKWIND both mesmerizing and spellbinding, with stunning plot twists and fabulous characterizations that will leave readers desiring more. Boyett-Compo?s unique style sparkles in the combined elements of the paranormal, including demonology, witchcraft, and the supernatural. Indeed, BLACKWIND's conclusion is guaranteed to leave readers both touched and breathless. A remarkable and memorable work, BLACKWIND earns the WordWeaving Award of Excellence. Cindy Penn Review #2 5 Stars There is no heart, no other love for Sean Cullen, but for that of Bronwyn McGregor. She is the light, the heart, the happiness in a life filled with rejections and abuse. But nothing can stem the destiny written out for Sean before his first breath was taken. Nothing can stem the tide of agony to come, not for Sean, nor for Bronwyn, nor for the Nighwind who loves her as well, and would see her protected for all time. Ms. Compo has taken the two entities who are giving her works an originality, and excitement rarely found between the pages of a book. The Reaper and the Nightwind, battling for the one woman that both needs to set their hearts free. Only one can win, and only one holds the key to Bronwyn's past, and the woman's heart she thought long dead. Five stars BlackWind, and the dark excitement, sensuality and danger of the Reaper's fight to claim the woman he loves. Like a modern day dark warrior, he'll fight himself, and the very demons of hell to possess the woman he's loved, even past death. With a sensuality and terminal excitement that rivals even Linda Howards best novels, a rich descriptive, emotional style, and a way of pulling the reader and setting them smack in the middle of the action, Ms. Compo has written her greatest work yet. With each succeeding novel she pulls you into the lives, and the web of interacting characters and novels that set your heart thudding, your soul yearning, and your dreams cascading with images of her dark heroes and their shattered lives. You become the heroine, you touch the face of her lover, and feel his sigh of longing against your lips. Never has another writer brought to the pages such imaginative, full bodied characters and gripped me the way Ms. Compo does. Never did I believe another writer could come along, and surpass in my loyalties, what I considered the greatest romantic fiction writer alive, as Ms. Compo has done. She has taken me from my world and cast me into the one she has created. A world filled with danger, excitement, and heroes that would draw even the coldest hearts, and fill them with warmth. I'm eagerly awaiting her next novel, her next hero, the next hours she will fill my imagination with yet another world, another life so captivating and rich that all others pale in comparison. Shadoe Simmons Review #3 5 Stars If you are a fan of Ms. Compo's stories, as I am, then you know when you pick up a novel written by her, you are in for a heart-wrenching, soul searching read. Her characters come to life right before your eyes, you sob in their pain, and you rally in their joy. And long after the story is done, it really isn't because the characters are so firmly entrenched in your mind and soul. I have had the honor and the greatest privilege of reading every book that she has published so far, and she continues to amaze me time and time again. Never has there ever been another writer that has had this effect on me. The ending of "BlackWind" will more than surprise you, and reacquaint you with past characters from another story! I can promise you that you won't be disappointed. I highly recommend you read, "BlackWind" it is another for "My Keeper Shelf " . I am eagerly anticipating her next novel, until then I will put away my tissue. Charlene Smith Review #4 Ms Boyett-Compo is one of my favorite authors. Not many authors have the ability to bring her charactors to life the way she does. Her heros are monsters, dangerously aggressive and vicious, yet, she manages to bring their humanity to the surface. I devoured this book on the first reading just to know the story and then I had to re-read it to savor it. Each charactor is finely drawn, the story is fast-paced and well-told. You will not be able to put this book down. It will keep you turning the pages until the end and you will not want the story to end. I didn't. Brenda Gill Review #5 This marvelous novel weaves in and out using the paranormal, demonology and witchcraft. the authors description of the characters brings them to life before your eyes and at times you are routing for them to win, even though they could only be described as monsters. It takes a very good writer to achieve this goal. I will not deceive you, this is not a short read, and it is one you will want to have time to truly devour. To try and tell you the storyline would never bring justice to this work. Trust me, if you like the unusual mixed with mystery and seared with love, this is the novel for you. Good read! Well worth your time! Shirley Johnson Review #6 BlackWind is another excellent novel from the pen (keyboard) of Charlotte Boyett-Compo. Initially the reader is lead to believe that it is a simple story of forbidden love, however it soon becomes apparent that it is, in fact, a dark fantasy tale. Just as you have accepted the book fits into that genre the author throws in another twist and it seemingly is also a sf novel. This is not a common combination - I think the last story I read that had similar blurring of genres was Stephen King's The Tommyknockers. It does have to be said though that the sf content is definitely secondary to the horror aspects of the story. This does not take away form the fact that this is a damned good book set in the USA and Ireland. It's written in Charlee's usual addictive style; you'll find BlackWind is exceptionally difficult to put down once you have started it, and you'll also wonder if such a story could ever have a happy outcome. Thoroughly enjoyable! Lesley Mazey Review #7 5 stars Charlotte's books have always left a wonderment of surprise but with BLACKWIND the surprise was even greater for this reviewer hadn't thought Bronwyn was more than she seemed until the truth is revealed. Two thumbs way up! Brenda Ramsbacher Review #8 BLACKWIND is the paranormal lover's dream book. I found the wide range of both paranormal and human characters an added bonus to this book. Though this book is set in modern day there is a history of the creatures involved that gives the reader the feeling that they are very much real. We are taken on a trip through all aspects of the paranormal realm with beings from space, daemons, and witches. We watch as our heroes struggle to understand what is going on around them and how to live through it. We cheer for them and weep with them as Ms Boyett-Compo weaves a story that draws us in and grips us tight. Fans of Ms Boyett-Compo will love BLACKWIND and those who have never read her work will be looking for more. Cheryl Barr Review #9 I could go on for paragraphs telling excepts from this book but I don't want to spoil it for you. The story is full of incidents that happen during Bronwyn's and Sean's lives up to the point where they meet again in a facility back in Iowa. There they reunite their lives, go through many challenges before they end up in each other arms. So many things happen from beginning to end that keep this book incredibly interesting. I highly recommend this book for one who truly enjoys an exciting story. Shirley Alguire Review #10 Make sure you have plenty of tissues handy before reading BlackWind. This amazing novel takes readers through a gauntlet of emotions. You connect with these characters instantly; becoming so enamored and entrenched in their lives you forget they're a work of fiction. With every novel, Charlee proves she deserves her place among the great writers of our time. Her novels may be set in a fantasy world, yet they nonetheless drive home the power of human emotions. Reminding us of our strengths and weaknesses, challenging us to fight the evil both within and without. BlackWind is incredibly detailed, each race and its history containing layer upon layer of depth. Yet doesn't overwhelm the reader with too much detail. A fan of Ms. Boyett-Compo's work for many years, I was nonetheless surprised by my reaction to BlackWind. I wanted to rush through it, desperately hoping for a happily-ever-after. But I didn't want it to end either; I wanted to spend an eternity with her characters. My only consolation is that I can reread it over and over. Do NOT under any circumstances miss this novel! You will be doing a great disservice to yourself. Sharyn McGinty Review #11 4 hearts: A MUST read - one of the best of the genre. This novel is very long and very complex and part of the joy of reading it is the number of surprises. We are also introduced to the NightWind, Danyon who desires Bronwyn for his own which makes for a dangerous love triangle which adds to the plot and we are kept wondering throughout as to who Bronwyn will choose. With shocks and surprises throughout this is my favourite Boyett-Compo novel of the ones I have read so far. Louisa Brown Review #12 Romance JunkiesThis story unfolds over the course of many years. Although I wasn't familiar with the worlds and inhabitants of her books, I was immediately drawn to the characters, and into their lives. As the story progressed, I became more and more involved, and it became extremely difficult to put the book down. The story encompasses a variety of paranormal elements, combined with love, romance, and plenty of suspense. A lot of history was provided throughout the book, so I never felt lost in an unfamiliar world. Now that I have been introduced to the Charlotte Boyett-Compo's books, I want to read more! Alane Review #13 Four Stars Blackwind by Charlotte Boyett-Compo is truly mystifying. She starts with an innocent childhood romance and weaves it into a tail of hideous experimentation with eerie results. From monsters of the bog, Viraiden Cree from a planet called Rysalia, and the revenant queen, Ms Boyett-Compo once again proves that she has a uniquely creative imagination. If I wrote my review to reveal all the wonders of the book, that in itself could win an award. For the sake of brevity, I’ll just say that Blackwind will not disappoint you if you enjoy a thrilling journey of lore, legends and love. Brett Scott Review #14 ParaNormal Romance Reviews Steeped in rich Celtic folklore, history, and alien rituals, "BlackWind" is a poignant well-written story peopled with engaging and strong hero and heroine, and a multitude of powerful mythological creatures from one of the most fertile imaginations this reader has come across. Ms. Boyett-Compo handles the delineation of hero, heroine, villains, and those in-between with explicit care, and wields a deft hand with characterization, dialogue and research. I especially enjoyed the tender relationship, though short-lived "on-screen", between Sean and his mother, and the young man's capacity to elicit awe, sympathy and support from a wide cross-section of society. On the opposite spectrum, but no less luscious, Viraidan Cree elicited hatred as well as devotion, which made for an emotional tale of revenge as well as eternal love. Lots of surprising twists and turns keep the reader flipping pages (or in this case scrolling) all the way to an intense and even LOL finale that left this reader finally exhaling with satisfaction. This is not a book for the squeamish reader with delicate sensibilities unwilling to sink their teeth into a detail-laced narrative, but beyond the graphic death and mayhem, and at its heart, "BlackWind" is what sweeping romance is all about: the love of a boy and girl against seemingly insurmountable odds. A very enjoyable read I highly recommend! Gracie C. McKeever Review #15 Charlotte Boyett-Compo's writing skills and imagination are to be admired and envied. Her adeptness at bringing characters to life is amazing, drawing out the emotions of readers through the emo- tions of her characters. Blending Celtic folklore, demonic creatures, legendary horror beasts, and aliens from outer worlds - all in a modern time setting - is a challenge for any writer. Ms. Boyett-Compo met that challenge and succeeded in writing a thrilling, fast-paced, heartrending love story that will hypnotic- ally enthrall any Paranormal Romance reader. Although the beginning was a little sluggish for me, the pace soon picked up and took me in directions I never imagined to travel. I very highly recommend "BlackWind," for it is novel, like its characters, who will thrive for years to come. Patricia Spork Review #16 5 Angels! Wow! This was such an intricate tale of love, passion and the stuff nightmares are made of. Ms. Boyett-Compo weaves a wonderful tale that will carry the reader away. The characters and settings are so well written it is difficult to believe that this is just a story that has come from the mind of the author. The struggles and turmoil they go through will have the reader on the edge of their seat, waiting to see the outcome. It is a long book, but the pace of the story will speed you along and make it seem like it ends before you are ready. What wonderful characters! The depth in which the author takes you into even the secondary characters minds is awesome. This reviewer very much enjoyed this book and is extremely anxious to get her hands on another by Ms. Charlotte Boyett-Compo. Kathi Lowther Five Angels WOW! It has been a while since a book has held me as utterly captivated as BlackWind managed to do. Charlotte Boyett-Compo has written an outstanding love story that time and time again has enormous obstacles for these lovers to overcome, but nevertheless their love withstands the test of time. The twists and turns in this story will leave readers astonished and the very plot itself is remarkable and simply amazing. There were moments while reading BlackWind that I felt that this story was so real; Charlotte Boyett-Compo doesn't just write her characters true to life, she brings them to life. The pain and sorrow that Sean and Bronnie experience together as well as separately brought tears to my eyes on numerous occasions. With Charlotte Boyett-Compo readers have no choice but to feel what she has written, her words are that powerful and that strong. I'm a fairly new reader of Charlotte Boyett-Compo and what I've read to date, I've never been disappointed. I don't have the words to describe how much I enjoyed this book and if I could I'd give it ten angels! Simply put BlackWind and Charlotte Boyett-Compo are absolutely brilliant! Jaymi 4 dragons The story is powerfully written and compels the reader to follow the struggles of Sean and Bronwyn who want nothing more than to be together. But you wouldn't describe BlackWind as a feel-good tale. It is a very dark wind that blows throughout, showcasing humankind's inhumanity towards each another. BlackWind is a beautifully crafted and authentically detailed story that few could resist, especially when the Nightwinds enter the scenario. I don't think I'll ever forget Sean's 'transition'. Due to the graphic and detailed narrative, I could easily suspend disbelief and experience the horror of it along with Sean. Paranormal Romance and Dark Fantasy fans will enjoy being blown into this fantastic, though harsh, world and definitely held in thrall as they travel down strange roads, meeting other-worldly creatures, while the destinies of Sean and Bronwyn unravel in a fast and fascinating way. Wendy 5 Slippers Set in contemporary times, this book draws on the mythos of the WindLegends saga. What amazes me about Charlotte Boyett-Compo is the ability she has to breathe life into otherworldly creatures who exist only in her complex mythology. They become rounded, fleshed out, real and sympathetic characters. It is not an ordinary writer who can make this reader cry in empathy for the loneliness of an outcast bogey monster or a starving vampire, or to emote a demonic creature’s love and grief, to share the agony over impossible choices in a situation that is bad and can only get worse. BLACKWIND is a fascinating journey hurtling down the road of events to a terrible, inevitable conclusion that will take the reader by surprise. There are twists and turns that you can not imagine and would never predict. Although part of a series, this book can stand alone, though I guarantee if you read it first, you will be getting the rest of the series. Allie B 5 stars "Black Wind" by Charlotte Boyett-Compo is a stunning mix of dark romance, paranormal thrills, and science fiction. Take a trip into the fantastic world she has created and lose yourself in a tale that you will never want to end. This is such a fascinating story! I was hooked from page one and couldn’t stop reading. The creative genius of Ms. Boyett-Compo is amazing. I found myself running the gamut of emotions as the story unfolded and just could not wait to see what happened next as I read. The characters seem so alive and are so interesting and engaging. You really ache for Bronwyn and Sean. The Reapers, Nightwinds, and even the pitiful Bugul Noz are thrilling characters who help to lead you into this wonderful fantasy that Ms. Boyett-Compo has created. The twists and turns in this story keep you engrossed the whole way through. I am totally hooked on these characters now and can’t wait to read more about the Reapers and Nightwinds. “Black Wind” is a must read for any dark romance lover. Susan Biliter |
