Unnatural Issues: An Elemental Masters Novel by Mercedes Lackey

I have read many of the books in this series so I was looking forward to reading this one. Like all Mercedes Lackey books, it was well written and the story flowed well. The plot is well thought out and is consistent from beginning to end. Here is the plot line from the book jacket:

Richard Whitestone is an Elemental Earth Master. Blaming himself for the death of his beloved wife during childbirth, he has sworn never to set eyes on his daughter, Susanne. But when he finally sees her, a dark plan takes shape in his twisted mind-to use his daughter’s body to bring back the spirit of his long-dead wife.

Okay, so it was entertaining and well written. Here is my problem. I have heard this story before, many times. First of all, let’s think about where we have heard the story of a poor servant who turns out to be a wealthy lady. Oh yeah, CINDERELLA. So it is the same story as one that has been told throughout the ages. Well that happens. My big issue is that it is almost the exact story of another book IN THE SERIES. That seems a little ridiculous to me. It should be at least a unique story in your own series that you yourself wrote. I can’t say that Mercedes Lackey’s work isn’t entertaining but it is starting to become redundant.

If you have read all the books in the series then this will be like rereading at least one of them. If you haven’t read all the books, this book could stand alone, then it is an entertaining read.