Princess Sarianna has been raised with a high sense of duty to her land, Arinpera. She has studied hard knowing at some point she would need to rule the kingdom and now as she watches her father slowly fading, Sarianna knows her duty. She helps as much as possible, but when her father says she must marry and soon before the other kingdoms in the Known Lands become aware of his failing health and sense weakness, Sarianna approaches this challenge with the same care and duty. Princes from the other known lands will visit and she can make her choice for Regent of Arinpera who will also be her husband. After the first disastrous visit with that prince trying to not only force her affections, but the place as her husband, Sarianna is justly leery of being alone with any other suitors until Prince Nikulainen of Ritvala rescues her from an assassin's arrow.

Niku is the youngest of the three Princes of Ritvala. His mother is not even the Queen/wife, but a captive, so Niku does not really see himself as an equal prince of the realm with his brothers. His mother is a Surrimetsa with their special abilities. Niku also has these abilities and is absolutely beautiful as are the Surrimetsa people as a whole. He is a fearsome warrior with lightning speed and agility and immediately jumps into the fray as they arrive in Arinpera saving Sarianna from the group of assassins determined to kill her.

These two royal and dutiful young people have much in common and fall in love. This accelerates the problems with Sarianna's first suitor and his evil mother as well as pricks the pride of Nikulainen's oldest brother Armas who wrongly assumes he should be the first choice. They must overcome many plots and trials as well as Sarianna's fear of Niku's lusts overcoming his control. Niku surrenders his strength to bindings and allows his princess free reign of his body and soon his heart. With a kingdom to rule, enemies to conquer or appease, peace and tranquility seem a far off dream, but with hard work and determination dreams can come true.

D. L. Warner has written an action packed love story in The Gift of Surrender . She paints a beautiful picture of the castles, lands and people who populate her imagination. Strong characterization and believable plots keep this story flowing and you as a reader slip into her imaginary world for a few wonderful hours. Niku's strength lies in his ability to surrender to his beautiful princess and take her, as a person, into account. He does not need to lead with his ego, but looks for what will please Sarianna. She in turn willingly gives him what he needs and surrenders to his love and care. In giving his "Gift of Surrender", Niku gains what no other has.