Mystical Island Series by Megan Cutler, James Abendroth

When a mysterious island appears off the coast of San Francisco, two intrepid academics risk everything to discover its secrets. Literature professor Catilen Taylor has struggled all her life with the ability to sense others' emotions. The only person comfortable with her eccentricities is Damian Cooke, who studies an ancient art he calls 'magic... moreWhen a mysterious island appears off the coast of San Francisco, two intrepid academics risk everything to discover its secrets. Literature professor Catilen Taylor has struggled all her life with the ability to sense others' emotions. The only person comfortable with her eccentricities is Damian Cooke, who studies an ancient art he calls 'magic.' Beyond the military barricade they discover a paradise unspoiled by modern advances, ruled by the enigmatic Sentomoru, who invites them to share the wonders of his bathhouse. But as the travelers strive to unravel the island's secrets, Catilen senses danger stalking their every step. Neither Catilen nor Damian can guess how long the island will remain on Earth. If they can't solve its riddles, and untangle themselves from a growing web of strife quickly, they may be trapped wherever the island goes when it vanishes. Is the island the paradise it promises? Or does a nightmare lurk beneath the surface? less

It’s been eight years since Damian struck Sentomoru dead. The island flourishes under Catilen’s rule, but Damian can’t escape the former lord’s shadow. It taints the rivers, trees and flowers. It haunts him keenest in the form of Catilen’s seven-year-old daughter, Morulin. Damian wants desperately to be a part of her life, but fears rejection when she learns the truth about her father’s death. Catilen dismisses Damian’s anxieties, claiming the dead can cause no harm... moreIt’s been eight years since Damian struck Sentomoru dead. The island flourishes under Catilen’s rule, but Damian can’t escape the former lord’s shadow. It taints the rivers, trees and flowers. It haunts him keenest in the form of Catilen’s seven-year-old daughter, Morulin. Damian wants desperately to be a part of her life, but fears rejection when she learns the truth about her father’s death. Catilen dismisses Damian’s anxieties, claiming the dead can cause no harm. But when both she and her daughter admit to dreaming of Sentomoru’s presence, Damian’s fears resurge. Neither he, nor his wife, can claim complete knowledge of the complex magic governing their island home. However irrational, he can’t shake the fear his struggle against Kenjiro Sentomoru is far from over. less