A review of: Garnets of Destiny 1 (Gemstone Chronicles 1)

The introduction to the 'Gemstone Chronicles' by Serena Yates provides an intriguing glimpse of what promises to be a unique and original series. Instead of one story, it's several very special stories accumulated and immortalized. As in any accumulation, it holds a special significance to the person collecting it; the Gemstone Chronicles collection is no exception. The Collector, in this particular case, is guided and aided by others who help develop and maintain an extraordinary story collection. The chronicles begin with him choosing his first story, 'The Garnets of Destiny'.

"A love for a gem, I could not deny, until I saw the ones in your eyes...The greatest treasure yet stands; the day you put your heart in my hands." ~ Gabriel Finn

Both Zachary and Zohar of 'The Garnets of Destiny' by Serena Yates, are searching for something to make them feel complete. Zohar knows he's looking for his bondmate, but Zachary doesn't, yet they both yearn for the passion and affection found only with one's true love.

Zachary Williams won my support immediately. It's obvious that Zachary has a good heart and, even after being abused, still has a great capacity for loving and being loved. After all he's endured, he allows himself to learn how to trust and open his heart to Zohar. I truly respect him for getting himself away from a very harmful situation and trying to be independent and learning to survive however he could. Even though it never afforded the protection that his parents promised it would, Zachary clings to the garnet ring as long as he can because it was the last remnant of his bond with his mother and father and he so much wants to believe that it can offer him protection and guidance.

Zohar is a charming young man, not at all vain or pretentious. He is quite gracious, especially for a prince. Fortunately, he has loving, sensible parents who are wonderful and down to earth. Zohar follows their examples and treats everyone with respect. When he sees Zachary, he strongly suspects that he's 'the one'. Zohar is a man of action and it almost kills him to restrain his youthful enthusiasm sexual and otherwise; but, true to his nature, Zohar endears himself to Zachary and proves to be a complete gentleman, respecting Zachary as a person and understanding his completely reasonable sense of distrust.

The first tale in the 'Gemstone Chronicles' is an endearing love story, endowed with marvelous, well-developed characters, but it also has its dark side, featuring malicious villains with hidden political agendas fueled by discrimination, prejudice, and greed. Zohar and Zachary are such gentle, strong men. They're a great example of how a committed relationship should be. Zohar and Zachary have such love and respect for each other. I loved how they always put each other first. Their abiding faith in each other plays a huge part in surmounting the obstacles put in their way. Their love is sweet and gentle and their decision to wait for intimacy until they are bonded is refreshing. When they do come together, their passion is deep, hot, and long lasting.

I'm excited about this new series and look forward to seeing which stories the Collector picks. I'd recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a romance which develops slowly, is sweet and sure, combined with angst, intrigue, mystery, and good prevailing over bad. Thanks so much, Serena, for creating such a unique and informative story. I'm standing at the Collector's door just waiting for him to pick the next story!



NOTE: This review is of the first edition, released in August 2012. No significant changes have been made to the story, this second edition is identical to the previous version.