Lady of Light and Shadows
Chapter Two of Magic, and Destiny
C. L. Wilson

Avon
September 28, 2010/ ISBN 978-0062023018 (Reprint edition)
Paranormal Romance
Amazon

Reviewed by Jo Rogers

Rain Tairen Soul, Lord of the Fading Lands, is courting his soon-to-be queen, Ellysetta Baristani. Just days before their wedding, Ellie is forced to accept the fact that she possesses magic powers when she inadvertently uses that power at a state dinner. Ellysetta loves good keflee, but it intoxicates her. Combined with a certain wine, she becomes totally uninhibited. The result was an embarrassing orgy that lasted seven hours and involved everyone at the palace in Celeria. The next day, Rain began to teach her how to spin her weaves and control when she spun them.

Even as Rain worked to control the damage from the unintended spell, the Eld were trying to get Celeria to open her borders to Eld. The spell had done little to quell the growing distrust of the Fey, Rain’s people. Some distrusted all magic and races who practiced it. Others had been bought out with Eld gold and promises. Still others were trying to protect family members who were being imprisoned by the Eld. There were Eld Mages and servants hiding all over Celeria.

The story is well told and provides constant action. The tension mounts with every event. To be true, there are lighter moments, but not many.

Ellie’s adopted mother has the same abhorrence for magic that drove the Salem witch trials. She taught Ellie well, making Ellie struggle to accept herself. It is this perfection of character development that makes the reader get involved with this story for more than one book. The main detraction for me was the sex scenes. But those can be skipped over so you won’t miss an otherwise great story. Begin with “Lord of the Fading Lands” and follow it all the way through. You’ll be glad you did.

Reviewer's Note: Contains sex, violence