The poised and sexually vainglorious Merelynda Suttoth has been seeking a way to help her half-sister, Kerelle, throw off a debilitating dread of men and, more specifically, of intimacy. Merelynda believes she has found the answer to her quest when she encounters the person of Stormcaller, a Drevnya tutor of sensual knowledge. Storm, as he is known, needs the money, and accepts the job of initiating Kerelle into the erotic pleasures. His conditions, however, are that Kerelle must be genuinely willing, and if she consents to the education, there will be no interference to Storm’s methods. The reserved Kerelle is at first shocked by the offer of Storm’s services, but unable to deny the social hindrances she has suffered because of her frigidity, concedes to let her sister hire Storm.

Kerelle’s education is carried out in Merelynda’s home. Here, to the pleasant surprise of both sisters, Storm proves not to be the sex-crazed tyrant that legend has accorded his profession. Kerelle, also, soon comes to understand she has had enough of carrying the dysfunctional attitudes as instilled in her by a carnally biased mother. Her relationship with Storm evolves patiently, and the blooming desires Storm incites in her retain a mutually respectful level. That is, until Merelynda’s innate jealousy and penchant for controlling men re-surfaces. She decides to exploit Kerelle and the Drevyna instructor for her own self-serving whims. But Storm senses Merelynda’s change of motives, and to avert the disaster he foresees for Kerelle, at last ushers his pupil into the truly passionate side of her education.

The author has given variety to the many erotic encounters found in The Loremaster. The richly descriptive quality that marks Burton’s writing is not lost in her venture into a new genre. The dialog is commendably mature, and never demeaned by cliché. I did find the relationship between Storm and Kerelle in the beginning of her education somewhat tedious for its rather Jedi-Knight-in-training mind-set. However, an ardent atmosphere soars with the change in Merelynda. The bondage and discipline theme which was hinted at in the beginning of the story takes off, and the turn of events awaiting all the characters is arousing.

The Loremaster is a tasty episode in the Everdark annals. This is one read that is sure to stir the juices of erotic fantasy readers, and for the fan of provocative liaison stories, The Loremaster is a definite must!