Review: Seducing the Sorcerer by Lee Welch

Homeless and jobless, Fenn Todd has nearly run out of hope. All he has left is his longing for horses and the strength of his own two hands. But when he’s cheated into accepting a very ugly sackcloth horse, he’s catapulted into a world of magic, politics and desire.

Fenn’s invited to stay at the black tower, home of the most terrifying man in the realm: Morgrim, the court sorcerer. Morgrim has a reputation as a scheming villain, but he seems surprisingly charming—and sexy—and Fenn falls hard for him.

However, nothing is as it seems and everyone at the tower is lying about something. Beset by evil hexes, violent political intrigue and a horse that eats eiderdowns, Fenn must make the hardest choices of his life.

Can a plain man like Fenn ever find true love with a scheming sorcerer?

I think I’m safe to say that I’m not the only one who has been waiting impatiently for Welch’s next creation and overall, I wasn’t disappointed.

What the blurb doesn’t tell you is that this is really rich in world building. As with Salt Magic, Skin Magic, the atmosphere is weighted and full of portent. This realm is steeped in magic (though it’s sadly dwindling), with a history of war, current political machinations, and a drought that is affecting everyone.

Our hero Fenn has not had it easy, and his story is quite heartbreaking. He doesn’t want a handout or anyone’s pity but life has been quite unfair. It has shaped who he has become and of course, every decision and reaction that befalls him for better or for worse is influenced by his past. When Fenn unexpectedly is confronted with the kingdom’s most intimidating, scariest court sorcerer, he doesn’t know whether to run for the hills screaming or at least partake in the small comforts offered before being blasted into oblivion.

Admittedly, this starts off at an extremely unhurried pace, making me wonder often if there would be any more to this tale than the daily goings on of Fenn and Morgrim eyeballing each other and not having conversations. However, at the halfway point (be patient dear reader) things literally take off and revelations abound and lives are endangered and a kingdom hangs on the precipice of annihilation. Well…. mild dramatics aside, the potential for dire consequences is a real threat, and Fenn must believe in himself and in Morgrim, should they ever have the chance of making things right with their country and with each other.

So again, beware of very leisurely beginnings. This also had a lot of self-flagellation from both Fenn and Morgrim, a lot of hurt comfort all intermixed with a bit of D/s kink that may or may not be your thing (it sorta kinda wasn’t for me). On the other hand, be prepared to be charmed by a gruff gentle giant with a tender heart who only wants to believe in hope again, a misunderstood sorcerer with always good intentions, and magically created stubborn silly horses who can fly. Don’t forget lots of subterfuge, spies and bad guys, kidnapping and double crosses, all interspersed with a slow brewing romance with a deeply satisfying conclusion.

Despite having enjoyed Salt Magic, Skin Magic and Mended with Gold just a tad more, there’s no doubt Welch can write. She definitely can create. I would not say no should she deign our presence with more of her imagination and skill. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long, but I’m okay with being patient no matter what.