[Magical British Empire 03] • Heart and Soul

Within the magical realm of a Victorian British Empire that never was, one man embarks on a fantastic mission that dates back to the first true king of Europe and that may determine the fate of the last true emperor of China–and the world.

When Nigel Oldhall hires on to pilot a magic carpetship under the name of Enoch Jones, it seems the perfect way for him to travel without attracting attention. For the English nobleman has in his possession the two most powerful jewels in the universe. His mission is to return them to their shrine in deepest Africa, restoring order to the world–and to his life. But he doesn’t count on being attacked by Chinese pirates–or being held captive by a shape-shifting beauty...Daughter of the Dragon King, sister of the new True Emperor of All Under Heaven, Red Jade is also on a mission: to reclaim the royal status stolen from her family by invaders. Since their expulsion, they have ruled only a mystical shadow-realm. Now, with the jewels in her sight, Red Jade has the chance to rule all. But she soon finds herself, and Enoch, trapped in a scheme that may cause her to change loyalties–and discover her heart’s true destiny.

From Publishers WeeklyThis lush but too-pat conclusion to Hoyt's alternate history trilogy (after 2008's Soul of Fire) plays out the implications of British adventurer Nigel Oldhall's choice to save the universe with magic jewels instead of handing them over to Queen Victoria so she could restore her empire. Oldhall now attempts to return the gems to their African home, but he runs afoul of exiled Chinese were-dragons who seek his prize. Ambitious Chinese minister Zhang wants to seize power from the opium-addicted emperor, while the emperor's sister, Red Jade, wishes to protect her brother and his throne. Oldhall must navigate treachery from all sides to help an unexpected ally and achieve his goals. Hoyt tosses in an appealing cross-cultural romance and the conflicting pressures of loyalty and honor, but cuts them short with an overly neat ending. (Nov.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review“Lush.”—Publishers Weekly