"Rich and textured fantasy"

The war with Tirsoilleir is over and its leader has sworn fealty to Lachlan Macquinn, the ruler of Eilenan. On May First on Beltane, the inhabitants are celebrating the pact of peace, a document ensuring that all of mankind and fairy abide by the terms of the treaty. During the merry making, the one race who didn't sign the pact infiltrates the castle and causes a bloodbath.

Lachlan swears vengeance on the sea-faery creatures, who need land and sea to live. The whole nation plans for war. Lachlan's wife Iseult travels to her father's people in the north to enlist their support for the upcoming battle and her twin sister the sorceress Isabeau councils Lachlan and gathers the forces of magic to use as a weapon against the enemy. When the battle finally takes place it's resolution takes place in the hearts of two men who see the folly of perpetrating a long held grievance.

Book Six of the Witches of Eileanan saga is every bit as good as it's predecessors. Readers will enjoy the harmonious relationships between human and fae as they work toward a common goal just as they will admire Isabeau who bears up to her many responsibilities admirably. The Fairgean, who are the antagonists of THE FATHOMLESS CAVES, are portrayed as a race who have legitimate reasons and grievance for going to war and come across as sympathetic figures. Kate Forsyth has written another rich and textured fantasy.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted October 10, 2002

Summary

In Eileanan, the sea-dwelling Fairgain have refused to sign the Pact of Peace. Driven by ancient hatreds, they have devoted themselves to destroying all who dwell upon the land. To help bring peace, Iseult's flame-haired twin Isabeau must face her most difficult challenge yet.