Lady of Light and Shadows (Tairen Soul, 2)

Picking up right where Lord of the Fading Lands left off, Lady of Light and Shadows begins the morning after the Queen of the Fey is hunted in her dreams by the dark being she calls the Shadow Man. Ellysetta knows that it's only a matter of time before she has to face her darkest enemy. Ellysetta's fiance and truemate, Rain Tairen Soul, has vowed to protect her, but even he doesn't know the depth of the evil that stalks his mate. Rain also has the added pressure of trying to protect his people, who are dying, and keeping the borders between Ellie's country and that of the nearby by Elden Mages closed to protect them all from the dangerous magic the Mages wield. Lady of Light and Shadows is the second book in C.L. Wilson's Tairen Soul series. This story gets more involved in the politics between Celieria, Eld, and the Fading Lands, as well as in the origins of Ellysetta's birth. It's more magical, more fantastical, and more enchanting than the first book--which is something I didn't even think was possible. These books are the perfect blend of fantasy and paranormal romance and are so engrossing you won't want to put them down. I'd suggest this series to anyone who enjoys magical beings and battles between the dark and the light. Now if only October would come a little faster so that the next two books (King of Sword and Sky and Queen of Song and Souls) would be released, I'd be all set.

You could start with this book, but why not extend your pleasure by reading both _Lord of the Fading Lands_ and this wonderful completion to the duology? If you love epic fantasy, ancient battles, evil mages, court intrigue, tragic and heroic immortals, dangerous fairy-tales, myth and legends--these books are for you! In this book, the plot thickens and threats increase for Rain, the tragic Fey King and his soul-mate, Ellysetta. The evil High Mage of Eld now knows who and where Ellie is--and he wants her back for his own unknown reasons. Evil agents in the kingdom of Celieria are working to discredit the Fey and break the centuries-long alliance between them and the human lords. The rogue Fey known as the Dark Lord is heading towards the kingdom in order to kill Ellie, believing that she is the High Mage's daughter and a threat to the Fey. Ellie's own mother is listening to dark whispers telling her the Fey and their magic are ungodly... This is much more of an epic Fantasy than a Romance, so people looking for a light plot that is an excuse for many sex scenes may be disappointed. But anyone who loves a good story built around a couple who need to find love and save themselves as well as the world will enjoy these books.

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! *****

'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

As I read the last chapters of Lady of light and shadows I closed the book and fell in silent awe for the imagination pouring out of C.L. Wilson's mind. In this second installment of the series I further more tasted the vast set-up of the worlds, its rich depth of the characters and the feeling that as I turned the pages I will discover something new. The plot lures with mysterious intrigue and darkness but also love that reaches out between Rain and Elly and the secondary cast of characters lifts this novel even to greater heights! In Lady of light and shadows we meet Rain and Elly again, the courtship continues, the Celerian Lords still have many questions they want answered as the Mages reach out with their darkness and new characters introduce themselves with strong voices that need to be heard. What a joy this novel has proven to be, I felt picked up by Rain and Elly and quickly found myself in their world again as the fragile moments of blossoming love shimmers between them it had an impact on me that swept me of my feet. If there is one thing that C.L. Wilson has a gift for it is to write with such emotion you can feel them vibrating from the pages and her imagination to describe a Fey race with their magic that I can see this in my mind's eye. Besides the romance, the mysteries that unfold themselves more, there is an action in this novel that rendered me breathless as I read the scenes. With also another love that holds me in its grip, two people, together yet apart. They speak of events in the past that has its rippling effect on the present as they remain in the dark. All aspects of this novel compels you to read page after page riding the waves of romance and action, wrapped in thrilling storylines. C.L. Wilson takes her time to create the background and circumstances for Elly and Rain to shine as the strong characters they are, still the major secondary characters like the Fey quintet, Laurianna, Sol, Marissya, Dax and Gaelen vel Serranis each give their own magic to weave a tale that you can't finish and not talk about it. With the Fey language that enhances the true feel of the world, I love the titles like Shei'tani and Shei'tan, the meaning of it and ads more feeling to certain thoughts or rituals. The ending stills the hunger for romance as you feel that new adventures beckon for Rain, Elly and all the inhabitants of the Celerian and Tairen world. There is still much to be told and C.L. Wilson made an impressive statement with her two-book-release Lord of the fading lands and Lady of light and shadows. Sometimes a story demands your attention, sometimes a novel demands to be read immediately and in the end rewards you with a stunning tale. Lady of light and shadows is such a novel! Courtesy of Realms on our Bookshelves