When Della No-Cozen, Shape-Mage Mistress of Suncroft arrives at Chime's house and announces that Chime may be the most powerful young shape-mage of her generation it seems that her future is secure. Not only is she destined to help the royal family to defeat their enemies she is also betrothed to the heir to the throne, Lord Muller.

Although not a direct heir of King Daron, Muller was thrust in to the position of responsibility following the murder of his cousin Aron, Aron's wife and infant son. In one vicious act the direct line was disrupted and as King Daron had no other children, Muller became next in line to the throne.

However, in order to truly realise her potential, Chime must learn to control her magic – a task that is far from easy...

When another potential mage is discovered Chime begins to worry that her inability to fully exploit her talents may cause her to be separated from her beloved Muller. When the new mage, Iris, suddenly reveals a depth of power that eclipses Chime's own abilities everything seems lost.

When Iris announces that Muller's cousin and the true heir to the throne, Jarid, was not killed as a child but still lives Muller once again is free to marry his true love, Chime.

But as you may expect, this is far from the end of the story. Chime, Muller, Iris and Jarid must combine their abilities to defeat the forces of King Varqelle and free people from his tyranny. Unless Chime can learn to fully master her power she will be of no use in the fight.

The Charmed Sphere is the second novel from the stable of Luna Books and once again they have presented a high quality story that is incredibly readable and thoroughly enjoyable.

Essentially this is a love story. Will Chime and Muller ever have the opportunity to be truly happy or will circumstances always conspire to keep them apart?

In the meantime there is the slight problem of an imminent attack by the forces of a neighbouring king....

As with many stores in this genre you know that everything will inevitably work out in the end. The fun part is trying to work out how you will get there. Despite knowing that a happy ending is pretty much guaranteed the story still gives a sensation of excitement and slight apprehension.

Catherine Asaro has created four main characters that are flawed and yet perfect for the situation they are in. They are enchanting and blend together to support a superb storyline, and make it difficult to not think "oh, well maybe just one more chapter".

A magical bit of escapism.