The Companion

A second son loses all only to recover it under the most astounding circumstances.
An only daughter loses her independence to cruel fate only to have it restored through an allegiance.

Ian Rufford’s ship was captured by pirates. He was sold into slavery to a strange woman with vile tastes. Taken in a dwindling caravan to the forbidden city of lore, Kivala. Tortured and plagued by his captor, he never expected to pay for her abuse for all eternity. However, that is exactly what happens. He feels he contracts a strange disease from a drop of her blood exchanged.

Elizabeth Rochwell is beautiful (though not in her eyes), intelligent and the rock of her father’s explorations. However, he dies leaving her alone and broke. She has to seek her aunt’s kindness and hope for a suitable match or arrangement. A horrid bargain for existence. She wants only to continue her historical research and her discoveries as she had with her father.

The two meet on a ship heading back to England, Ian infected and Elizabeth alone. They share chess games, learning of each other’s intelligence and passion. She does not reject him for the man he’s become, rather is intrigued by his illness. They share in discovery until she is returned to England. Once there, in a series of events (I hate spoilers) the two strike a bargain. Elizabeth can have her independence and Ian can protect the world.

Squires does a fantastic job of taking an old tale of vampirism and she spins it into a new and fresh tale with characters who intrigue and captivate as well as in their own unique mannerisms teach a bit about human nature, about the good and the bad and how easily the line between the two can become blurred. If you are into vampires, ancient history and stories of redemption, this is a must have for you. A little heavy at times on detail, however for a reader like me it only enriched the tale, but be aware and allow for total immersion for optimum enjoyment.

Reviewed by: Izzy