The Chalice Trilogy Series by Glenna McReynolds, Tara Janzen

In one of the most original and stunning debuts of the season, Glenna McReynolds brings historical romance readers the experience they've been waiting for: a novel of dark magic, stirring drama, and fierce passion that weaves a wondrous, unbreakable spell. .. In a land of forbidding castles, sacred prophecies, and unholy betrayals, mystery surrounds the one woman who holds the key to an ancient legacy... moreIn one of the most original and stunning debuts of the season, Glenna McReynolds brings historical romance readers the experience they've been waiting for: a novel of dark magic, stirring drama, and fierce passion that weaves a wondrous, unbreakable spell. .. In a land of forbidding castles, sacred prophecies, and unholy betrayals, mystery surrounds the one woman who holds the key to an ancient legacy.   She is Ceridwen, an orphan unaware of her immense power--until fate leads her from a secluded abbey into the tower of a feared sorcerer. Dain Lavrans has no magic in himself, only the secrets of medicine he uncovered while a soldier in the Crusades.   But he finally beholds true enchantment in the spell of passion innocently woven by the ethereal Ceridwen.   Yet there are many who seek the maiden, all meaning to wrest her power for themselves.   Now Ceridwen and Dain must struggle to escape the snares set by friend and foe alike, even as they discover a love that promises to bind them forever. less

A restless warrior. .. A fierce maiden. .. A magical love story of sorcery and passion. .. Orphaned as a child and raised by monks, Mychael ab Arawn had forsaken all things of the world—until fiery visions drew him into the victorious battle to reclaim his ancestral home. Yet peace still eludes him, for the visions of mystical dragons and mysterious caverns linger... moreA restless warrior. .. A fierce maiden. .. A magical love story of sorcery and passion. .. Orphaned as a child and raised by monks, Mychael ab Arawn had forsaken all things of the world—until fiery visions drew him into the victorious battle to reclaim his ancestral home. Yet peace still eludes him, for the visions of mystical dragons and mysterious caverns linger. Armed as a warrior once more, Mychael prepares for his quest—to seek out the images that haunt him and conquer them once and for all. There are many who would stay Mychael, intent on using him for their own purposes. Only the beautiful Llynya, with her lavender scent and lightning-fast blade, joins him on his path. But Mychael may have little chance to taste the sensual power that draws him to the maiden. For soon his visions will lead them to a crossroads of destiny, where danger awaits in every cavern—and friends and ancient enemies of man threaten to destroy them. less

He's the last thing she expected � and she has waited for him all her life! It was written that her prince would be a mage, a warrior, and a saint. Instead he's a mercenary thief with a fondness for vice-filled dens and off-world wine. How can the sacred prophecy be wrong � or is there more to Morgan ab Kynan than meets the eye? Lady Avallyn has little choice and no time to ponder the possibilities of a mistake... moreHe's the last thing she expected � and she has waited for him all her life! It was written that her prince would be a mage, a warrior, and a saint. Instead he's a mercenary thief with a fondness for vice-filled dens and off-world wine. How can the sacred prophecy be wrong � or is there more to Morgan ab Kynan than meets the eye? Lady Avallyn has little choice and no time to ponder the possibilities of a mistake. She's the one woman who can save a twelfth-century mage whose demise turned the earth into a barren desert. And only one man can take her back into the past: the charismatic thief who may or may not be the fated Prince of Time. But the reluctant thief and the resolute princess are followed by a ruthless villain who wants them both dead. Morgan and Avallyn will need more than skill, courage, and magic to survive in the ancient past, where an even greater danger awaits. They will need faith in each other and a trust born of a passion willing to sacrifice everything � even life itself � for love. .. . less