The Light-Bearer's Daughter

Finally a book that fits with the last. The second book was separate from the first which I thought was wierd not very connected. but this book was connected just enough to the second book that it made it alot better. This book is not as confusing as the last book the author really tells the story well through the little girl's eyes.

This is the third book of her series and even better than the first two. OR Melling transports you to the world of faerie with magical writing. I love this series and can't wait for the next book! (due out in US in 2009)

I was impressed by The Hunter's Moon and The Summer King, so I was happy to discover Melling's third Chronicles of Faery book, The Light-Bearer's Daughter. All three have particular appeal for teenage girls, as their young contemporary heroines find themselves pulled into adventures involving Ireland's Fair Folk. In this book Dana, who is angry to be told she must move to Canada, is asked by a fairy queen to act as a messenger, bearing a request for help to a lost king. In return, Dana will win a wish--which she plans to use to find her long-missing mother. Dana, who's a fairly tough kid, shows her courage as she avoids a dangerous pursuit, deals with the unpredictable boggles, and makes various allies, some from across the reaches of time. She also gets tired and dirty and hungry and hurt, which pleased me because writers of quests often forget to show that. There's a subplot involving humans trying to save old-growth forests, and another about Dana's father's new love interest (who threatens Dana's loyalty to her lost mother). We also see a little overlap with the other two books, although this one stands alone nicely. The most important thing I can say about this book is that it's written in medium-high fantasy style, but it works. Melling has a way of drawing you into her story, and even when characters are taking themselves a bit too seriously, you buy it because Melling's writing keeps you well and truly caught, like a fairy spell. I could quibble with a few moments from the plot, and the quest format isn't one of my favorites, but I don't want to fuss because the fact remains that The Light-Bearer's Daughter is simply a good book. The way Melling brings the subplots together in the end is particularly satisfying--especially in terms of teen wish fulfillment!

Dana's Mom left her musician father and her long before Dana could remember. Bits and pieces of memories haunt her still. When Dana hears that her Dad's got a dream job in faraway Toronto, her biggest fear is that her Mom can't find them should she choose to come back. When Queen Honor consort of the High King of Faery contacts her for help, Dana agrees willingly knowing that her dearest wish will be granted if she accomplishes the task they set for her--deliver a message to Lugh, the King of Wicklow. The message: "A shadow is crossing the land. The enemy rises. Where is the light to bridge the darkness?" It's a hard quest for a 12-year-old and even Honor has cause to regret setting such a task for a young girl, but Dana continues on despite offers to have someone else complete the errand. She means to have her dearest wish--her own Mom home. She also sees how the light is leaving the land: male boggles are without their females, humans are destroying the trees, the last Irish wolf has left the country. Something needs to be done and she's willing to risk her life to do it. Melling's knowledge of Irish language and folklore make this book a compelling and educational read for people of all ages. She spins a fine tale you won't want to put down.

The Light-Bearers Daughter is another beautiful piece of literature from O.R. Melling. This book is actully part 3 in a 4 part series, so I would recomend reading the first two books (The Hunters Moon and The Summer King) before, although it can be read alone. This is definatly one of my favorite books, and I would reccomend it to anyone who is interested in Ireland, Faeries, Romance, or just Fantasy!