In the secluded hills of northern England during the 18th century, Lady Amalia (Lia) Langford has grown up the youngest daughter of the drákon clan's Alpha. Even though her siblings think Lia hasn't inherited any special gifts, since she's been unable to Turn -- shapeshifting from human to smoke to dragon and then back -- she's been keeping a secret. Not only can she hear the haunting song of the diamond known as Draumr, Lia also possesses the rare gift of being able to hear the future in her dreams.

Draumr is the one thing that has the power to enslave the drákon, so is feared above all else. From her dreams, Lia realizes that the fate of her clan is at stake and it's her destiny to locate the stone, which is buried deep somewhere within the Carpathian Mountains. However, she also knows she'll not be alone in her quest, for her visions include a man -- Zane, the street-smart urchin her mother rescued years ago, who's grown into an even more devious and cunning adult. Zane is also the only man Lia has ever been passionately attracted to, and her dreams have shown her two versions of the final outcome of their joint quest for the priceless gem. Which one will come true?

Shana Abé has followed her hardcover debut, THE SMOKE THIEF, with another stunning example of a unique and absorbing paranormal historical romance. The plot moves along at a brisk pace and the characters are life-like and captivating. This engrossing story kept me glued to the pages. An excellent read!