"Beautiful fantasy novel"

It is the witches across the land that anchors the roads that lead to Tir Alainn, the home of the fae. The Inquisitors say the witches are evil so they drive them out of their homes or kill them. Every time that happens a piece of Tir Alainn disappears. The fae, for the most part, are arrogant creatures and don't want to believe that anything in the human world can affect them.

The Inquisitors also believe that women are second class citizens who should be under the domination of their fathers or husbands and it is believed their rights should be taken away from them. They have made headway in the East and are trying to extend their influence in the west. Aiden the Bard and his mate Lyrra the Muse understand the threat to humans and fae but nobody will listen to them. They must find The Hunter, the one member of the fae that every other fae will heed and convince him to help save the witches or Tir Alainn will be no more.

Anne Bishop has created a vivid fantasy world and populated it with creatures from legends and myth. The story line is deep and complex, with many sub-plots tying back into the main theme. SHADOWS AND LIGHT is a beautiful fantasy novel that will keep readers turning the pages until they reach the end of the tale. It is to be hoped that the final installment in this great series will be out soon.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 10, 2002

Summary

The national bestselling author of the Black Jewels Trilogy returns with book two in the thrilling Tir Alainn Trilogy-a dazzling tale of romance, high adventure, and thrilling fantasy. An encroaching evil threatens the lives of every witch, woman, and Fae in the realm. And only the Bard, the Muse, and the Gatherer of Souls possess the power to stop the bloodshed.