A beginning and a continuation at the same time. That’s how reading this author’s newest release felt like to me. Having read all Lubov Leonova’s novels set in the magical setting of the land inhabited by mages and the Incapables – people without magic powers – it was gratifying to learn about the fates of the characters whose stories began in previous books.
After the devastating finale of “Forbidden Manuscript”, I kept thinking whether Elisa would cope with her loss, even though she’d been given an unexpected gift. I kept wondering if that gift would be enough to fuel hope and lead her to rebuild her life and faith that the good still can win. In “Mercy House,” Irida, an intriguing character whose past and motives were shrouded in mystery, was introduced. She felt the kind of heroine meant to play a significant role in a bigger picture, so I kept thinking about what role it might be. In “Undeclared Love: An Accidental Romance”, I was generously rewarded with answers.
Apart from bringing joy to the series’ long-time fans, this book has a lot to offer to those readers for whom this is the first glimpse into the author’s fantasy world.
Amelia and Michael both come from what can be called a complicated family environment. Young love is the last thing on their minds. Having been forced to deal with things incomparably more challenging than how to gather enough courage for a first kiss, they aren’t prepared to deal with something so simple and natural as falling in love. Besides, the world won’t stop or change its ways for the sake of two young hearts. Two society strata are on the brink of war. The conflict that has been brewing for a long time seems to finally be ready to unravel. Caught up in the throes of the chaos, willingly and unwillingly instrumental to the opposing factions, can Amelia and Michael also fight for what is important to the two of them? Or will the destiny of their worlds prove to be more important than their individual fates?
I appreciated the questions the author poses in this story. Does it justify hurting others if you’ve been hurt and mistreated? Does it make you a villain if you adopt the methods of those who brought devastation and grief to your loved ones? Is it possible to be a blameless hero? Can a pure heart defeat injustice and cruelty without letting the darkness in?
Neither of the characters in “Undeclared Love” is without fault. Each of them did things that have the potential to haunt them in their dreams. The question I was left with after finishing the book was: Is it enough to sincerely regret what you’ve done wrong to free you from blame?
Eve's Book Diary 
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