The Pool of Two Moons

In this second book, Isabeau takes a bit of a back seat, recovering from her ordeal in delivering the talisman, and learning humility and obedience as a servant in the Righ's palace. There is a shift of interest to her twin sister, Iseult, whom Meghan discovered when she visited the Dragons. Iseult, raised by her faery kin on the icy Spine of the World, seems as different from Isabeau as night is from day. where Isabeau is laughing, impetuous, and headstrong, Iseult, raised by a tribe of fierce warriors in a dangerous, snowy land, is solemn and disciplined. Meghan convinces Iseult that she must leave her tribe and seek out her destiny among her mother's people. Meghan and Iseult meet up with the lost prionssa who has been hiding for years, since escaping from his brother's treacherous wife. He is a bitter young man, passionate in his desire for revenge against the Banrigh, Maya the Ensorcellor. Guided by Meghan, he and Iseult set off on the dangerous quest to unite the rebels, depose the Banrigh, and restore the Coven. To do this, they must rescue the Lodestar, an ancient magical scepter which has been locked away since the day the witches were betrayed, and which is dying from lack of contact with the royal family. The character of the prionssa is delightfully complex. Just because he's supposed to be some kind of hero to the people and to us doesn't mean they or we always like him, and it doesn't mean he always does everything right. Some people prefer cardboard cutout characters that are some kind of archetypal representation of an idea of a hero or a villan or a leader or an ingenue. And some people like characters who are made from their experiences, with a dash of nobility of character which makes them strive to overcome their experiences to be and do more. The latter should be pleased. When you finish The Pool of Two Moons, I know you won't be able to wait for The Cursed Towers (so maybe order them both together).

I was impressed that the Witches wasn't a one hit wonder. This second book was well planned if not a little on the slower reading side. The first book truly focuses on the relationship between Meghan and Isabeau, whereas this second book deals with the relationship of Meghan and Iseult, and Iseult and Lachlan. Again praise for the research of pagan traditions.

(my previous review on this book was pretty stupid now that I read it about a year later. So let me write a more sophisticated, up to date review if I may...) This, the Second in Kate Forsyth's series 'The Witches of Eileanan', is outstanding and the greatest in the series so far. But don't start on this one, start on 'Witches' (the 1st). Well, you can read them backwards, but If i read this one first, I wouldn't feel all the connectedness that I do with the characters in which I say in my reviews. Still many start with this book and are hooked fans. Just make sure you read 'The Witches of Eileanan' sometime. In this book, the beautiful land of Eileanan is getting attacked by Bright Soilders, a group of witch haters from an indepentent part of Eileanan. So they pose an equal threat to the witches and the Righ's kingdom. And where is Magrit in the mix?... or should I say the Mist, she is plugging away at her own plans to gain control of Eileanan. Meanwhile Meghan, Iseult, and Lachlan slowly meet up with Isabeau. From reading the series so far, I felt that Isabeau was more of 'key' or 'last hope' to restoring the rightful Righ and magic to the throne, because if it wasn't for her then everything would have crashed and burned. Please e-mail me cause I love to talk about this series, [email protected]

I actually found that this book was better than the first one. The characters were all so very defined, that you sympathized with each one. The plot was intruiging, and the very end was so heart-wrenching, I found myself crying for poor Isabeu! This is definetly a book to read.

You will love the third book, The Cursed Towers!! I thought Pool of Two Moons was better than the first book, Witches of Eileanan. It was mostly the ending that blew me away, This series is Fantasy how i want it! Im usually this confused girl with my jumble of emotions, but there are certain parts in this book that have sent pure emotions of happiness, rage, and saddness through me. As for my favorite characters- thats hard to say, Meghan, (of course!) Lilianthe, and Jorge. But the real question is- Who is the better twin, Isabeau or Iseult!? (id say Isabeau, hand down and 3 fingers!) But for those of you who are looking to buy this beautiful book- i say stop reading now and click BUY! a great fantasy tale that can't be competed with, original ideas, spectacular characters, and a little humor. --Cursed Towers, June 2000-- ~~Miranda