James Herbert delivers eroticism and magic in ONCE... (4.5) Thom Kindred returns home to recuperate from a stroke and long-buried memories slowly emerge, triggered by a glimpse of the undine Jennet. Jennet awakens his past to strengthen him for an upcoming battle, whose outcome will affect humans and fairies. In a darkly sensual, wholly absorbing fairy tale, Mr. Herbert creates a malevolent atmosphere ready to explode. Vivid characterizations admirably depict elemental creatures that definitely have non-human agendas. (Apr., 384 pp., $26.95)

Reviewed by: 
Kelly Rae Cooper