Noble Walters is an archeologist. While on a dig in Egypt he stumbles across a stupendous find, the home of Peneb-Ra, a great magician in the court of Ramesses III. While he is excited about this find, he is overcome by the luscious Julia and frustrated with his inability to capture her attention. During the first tour of the building he finds two rooms filled with hieroglyphics and believes he now has found a way to soften her heart.

Julia Rafferty’s area of expertise is Egyptian languages, including hieroglyphs. She has been with love with Noble Walters since she joined the university archeology department and was thrilled when she was transferred to Egypt to work on Noble’s dig. She thought he was interested when he kissed her and asked her out to dinner, but now doubts herself because he stood her up. Julia has been angry at Noble for quite awhile but when he shows her the hieroglyphic rooms and again kisses her, she realizes she may not have the whole story.

Tales Of The Magician, Book One: The Captive One by Melinda Barron is an enchanting read. The captive one has many meanings in this story. Julia was a delight; she is a strong and capable person. However, she has issues with her size 16 body and what she perceives as others impression of her. Noble is an accomplished archeologist and consummate leader. Ms. Barron has captured his disbelief and doubt in the paranormal and portrayed it with realism. The Captive One has several types of captivity within and as you read you will take pleasure in watching the imprisoned escape. I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to TOTM2: The Lost One. Melinda Barron writes for real woman about real personal issues. Brava Ms. Barron, brava.

Reviewed by: Dana P.