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48 of 49 found the following review helpful:
 A Magical Medieval Romance!Oct 23, 2003
By Jana L. Perskie
"ceruleana"
Elizabeth Lowell is frequently asked why she departed from the western and contemporary romance genres, which have been so successful for her, to write the medieval trilogy "Untamed,"
"Forbidden" and "Enchanted." She and her husband are both of Scots descent. On one of their visits to Scotland they had extra time to explore off the beaten path and, by chance, discovered the ancient ruins of a castle constructed in the 12th century. The castle had once belonged to her husband's clan, the Maxwells. Ms. Lowell and her husband then traveled to a nearby town that had a museum devoted to the Maxwells and discovered that her family clan, the Charteris, and her husband's, the Maxwell's, were linked through marriage for over nine hundred years. When Ms. Lowell found out about this age-old link between herself and her spouse, she decided to write a series based on medieval warriors and the women they loved."Forbidden" is the story of Amber The Untouched, a beautiful young woman who is Learned in the healing arts and who has the ability to discern truth from falsehood through touch. Unfortunately Amber does not touch many people because touching causes her intense pain. It has been foretold that when she falls in love with a man she will be able, for the first time, to touch and be touched. A prophesy attended Amber's birth, "A man with no name may you claim, heart and body and soul. Then rich life might grow, but death will surely flow. In shades of darkness he will come to you. If you touch him you will know life that might or death that will. Be therefore as sunlight, hidden in amber, untouched by man, not touching. Forbidden." A wounded warrior is found, unconscious, inside a sacred ring of stones. Amber heals him and is able to touch him and feel only great pleasure. When the man awakens he does not remember his past. The two are drawn together with an unbelievable intensity, but hanging over their heads, dooming their growing love, is the prophecy. The reality of their present also intrudes and threatens them - a reality of continuous war in their land, the Disputed Land bordering England and Scotland. When this great warrior remembers his past will he denounce the woman he loves as his enemy? Will he accuse her of betrayal and fulfill the dark prophesy? Elizabeth Lowell has written a magical tale of a love foretold. I am not a big fan of medieval romance, but I am a big Elizabeth Lowell fan - which is why I read this novel. I was enchanted by the magic lore of the Learned people included here, as well as the ring of sacred stones and the legend of the rowan tree that can be seen in bloom only by true lovers. This is one of Ms. Lowell's most sensuous stories and most entertaining reads.
JANA
20 of 20 found the following review helpful:
 A Perfect Romantic FantasyDec 02, 1999
By V. McLaughlin
Outstanding! This was one of the best romance novels that I have ever read. The characters were interesting and appealing; the story was original and creative. The heroine is Amber the Untouched, so named because of her special affinity to amber -- all things amber belong to her -- and because of her special ability to feel the emotions of others by touching them. Lowell thoroughly explores both the advantages and the drawbacks of such an ability. The hero, Duncan of Maxwell, the Scots Hammer (his name is charming and lyrical, like much of the writing in this book) is the perfect combination of strength and sensitivity. The amber prophecy, the revelation that attended Amber's birth, defines the cosmology of the book. As a lover of fantasy, I was totally captivated by it! Amber and Duncan's story is gracefully and beautifully told. Like everyone else, I can't wait for Erik's story!
15 of 15 found the following review helpful:
A Great Love StoryNov 28, 2000
By L. Durham
"Avid Reader"
I loved this book. This is one of those books I pull out and read when I am in the mood for an awesome love story. The story of Amber and Duncan is fantastic. Amber is called the untouched because nobody can touch her as she has a special gift. Then along comes Duncan who has been injured and has no memory of his past life. When he is found, he is naked except for an amber pendant and all things amber belong to Amber. I liked the way their story developed as they got to know each other and how Amber fought to have what she felt was hers. I really liked the way Duncan was developed from the first book in this series and I loved the introduction of Amber, Cassandra and Erik. I also found it enjoyable how previous characters from the first book, Enchanted, were brought in to this story. My only wish now is that Erik's story would come out!! This man is a great story waiting to happen!
12 of 12 found the following review helpful:
Beautiful!Jun 16, 2000
By Dawn Landrum
This is just another example of Elizabeth Lowell's remarkable work. In my opinion, this book was not as great as the first one, but it is great nonetheless. Amber the Untouched and Duncan the Scots Hammer are a memorable couple. And I love how Lowell has Duncan remember bits and pieces but never a whole memory. Something will trigger a memory, but as quickly as it came, it is gone. The only thing I thought that would make the book more, would be if Amber was a little stronger. Though, I can understand why she did many things the way she did. This book also has one of the most memorable scenes from any book I have read. The scene where Cassandra *teaches* Duncan the true power and pain of Amber's "gift". I HIGHLY recommend this series of book, though I would also recommend reading them in order of sequence.
11 of 12 found the following review helpful:
Another Masterpiece by Elizabeth Lowell.Jun 15, 2000
By Susan Shams
This is a splendid tale. A tale in which you are taken into a dark world of Learned and Sorcery. I found this novel to be quite intriging. Amber The Untouched. Duncan The Scots Hammer. He came to her in shades of darkness. Upon first touching him, Amber feels light and pleasure such as she has never known before. For Amber has known only darkness in touching another human. She could scry the truth from another person, but in doing so, it only brings her pain. Forbidden. Duncan awakes in the beautiful Ambers care. He has lost his memory. He cannot remember anything of his past life. Only the love from Amber saves him from the dark seething memories without answer. They forge a love, despite Duncans uncertainty with his past. But it is as if their lives are inexplicably entertwined. Amber is almost certain who Duncans true identity is. Yet she is afraid to reveal. When Duncan finally realizes who he is, he feels such betrayal from the Amber beauty. She had known, and in doing so, keeping it from him, she had forsaken him. Betrayal, hurt and anger fill them both. Will Ambers love be enough to heal the Scots Hammer? Or will Duncans immense feelings of anger and betrayal destroy all that they have? Including his precious Amber? This is a great story. You will love it.
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