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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sequel to The Lord of the Fading Lands., October 20, 2007
Sequel to The Lord of the Fading Lands.
Rainier vel'En Daris, King of the Fey and Rairen Soul, had literally stepped from the sky to claim Ellysetta "Ellie" Baristani, a woodcarver's daughter, as his queen. Ellie is being groomed for her new life among the nobility and the royal courts. Ellie still does not understand the horrible nightmares that plague her or the frightening powers within her; however, it has become very clear that her life is in danger.
The evil High Mage Vadim Maur has minions everywhere. His apprentice, Kolis Manza, almost has the proof needed to show that Ellie is the one for whom Vadim has searched over twenty years for. Kolis has gotten close to the mortal queen and Ellie's former fiancé. It is only a matter of time. Once proven, the High Mage will claim Ellie's soul. Using Ellie, Vadim will enslave the world.
***** Do not begin this book until you have read Lord of the Fading Lands. Otherwise you will not fully understand what is going on. Believe me when I say that fans of either Fantasy or Paranormal Romance novels will LOVE both of these books. I cannot stress hard enough to the men out there that they will enjoy these two titles.
Having said that; I found this title to be as awesome as the first. It ends in a very good place. The author may either stop there or continue onward. The action is mostly non-stop, so make sure you have plenty of time to read before you even open the cover. I see awards in this author's future. This is a highly addictive series and I hope to see more! *****
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Second part of this excellent duology, October 18, 2007
'Lady of Light and Shadows' is the second instalment in the duology about the Tairen Soul. This book definitely doesn't work on its own and would be very difficult to read as a first book, it follows immediately on from 'Lord of the Fading Lands' and continues the story of Rain and Ellie which was so gripping in that first instalment. The first book didn't finish at a particularly pivotal moment and the second instalment picks up straight up from that point and continues with the story as more and more depth and excitement is layered into the novel, including a previously mentioned character arriving to play a significant part in the action. It's a good thing that they have been published so closely together as they really don't work on their own; however, as a pair of books making one story, they are brilliant.
In this story Ellie's troubles increase as she continues to go through the complicated pre-marriage rituals. Each day of her life seems to become more and more complex with the difficulties between her and her family (mainly her mother) echoed by the political machinations between the King of Celieria, Rain Tairen Soul and the evil Mages of the Eld. Ellie's bridegroom, Rain Tairen Soul, is a fascinating character and she learns more about him as the book progresses; however Ellie is also learning more about herself and much of what she is learning looks bad. The narrator gives us insights into what is happening in Eld and we learn more about Ellie's provenance, much of the information seeming very worrying. How can Ellie be the good person that she seems with the history that she has had, and is she merely being positioned as Rain's mate in order to destroy the Fey from within?
We meet a few new characters in this book including a staunch new protector for Ellie but also the people who have caused her magical abilities to be shielded - and why. The evil forces are working in many different ways to capture Ellie and she is in danger from those whom she loves, both physical and emotional danger. A continual theme is whether Ellie is courageous or just trying to survive but she's a plucky heroine who soon realises that to receive what every young woman wishes for - the attention and devotion of Rain Tairen Soul - has a balancing amount of hardship.
In some ways Ellie's Fey quintet guard play less of a role in this story but her new champion proves a pivotal point in the plot as they start to realise who Ellie is and what her powers are. There is a huge final denouement scene where the magic of the fey shows its limitations and where Ellie is required to use her own resources and skills - but are they enough? There are some touching romantic scenes between Rain and Ellie as he continues the courtship but just as much time is given in the novel to the 'courtship' of the nobles and rulers of Celieria, trying to individually influence and encourage them to support Rain's needs.
As a standalone book this doesn't work but read alongside 'Lord of the Fading Lands' it's one of the most exciting fantasy books to have been published in a long time. The author's excellent writing style, the continually gripping nature of the narrative and the occasional light touches to leaven some of the gloom and despair are brilliant. Rain and Ellie are great heroes with faults and difficulties and confusion about their respective roles but with an undergirding of honesty and true natures which make their lives a joy to follow. This is excellent writing that should appeal to all who read it.
Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book, www.curledup.com. © Helen Hancox 2007
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Series You Must Read!!!, January 29, 2009
****No Spoilers****
This is by far my favorite series!!! Everyone should at least try the first book, I promise you will be hooked! I have read tons of romance novels from Kresley Cole to J.R. Ward(which have great series as well) but none of the characters have touched my heart as much as as Ellysetta and Rain do.
The author did a fantastic job of creating a fantasy world, perhaps similar to Lord of the rings, but her focus is always on the main characters and her development of the hero and heroine is beautiful. Ellysetta and Rain are not perfect but together they become perfect( That sounds really cheesy)Their love will blow you away. Their devotion to one another, their support of each other, and their protection of one another is so richly drawn out by the author.Especially when the author uses the fey language of Rain's people, Its as if she has written a new language filled with love...
Ok Ok I know this has really turned into a cheese fest but if you want a description of the book read the other reviews, for me the book was all about the strong emotions that the characters evoked in me. I was on cloud nine the whole time I read this series ( It will seriously put you in such a great happy mood)
The author makes a note that she wrote this series as one book rather than 4 separate books, so although each ending is great and leaves you wanting more, you do get a strong sense of - this could have been great as just one 1000 page book-. I loved all the twists and turns and surprises in this book and I really loved how all the characters really came together. I cant wait for the next one!
This is a great new author with an amazing storytelling voice, I cannot wait to see what else she comes up with( I hope she stays within the fantasy realm) I will be really sad when this series is over. 5 Stars from me all the way!!!!
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