#Review: Lady of Light and Shadows by C.L. Wilson - 5 Wine Glasses

Title: Lady of Light and Shadows
Series: Tairen Soul #2
Author: C.L. Wilson
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 386 pages
Published : October 30th 2007 by Dorchester Pub Co Inc
ISBN :0843959789
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Library
Rating:  5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

She feared the dark visions and the magic within her. And she dreamed of the miraculous love that could save her.

Like an enchanted fairy tale prince he stepped from the sky to claim her—the Fey King, her destiny, her one and true love.

But behind the mesmerizing beauty of Rain’s violet eyes Ellysetta saw the passionate hunger of the beast . . . and a sorrow, deep and ancient, that she alone could heal. Only for him would sheembrace the frightening power that dwells within her. Only with him at her side could she confront the shadows that haunt her soul. For an epic battle looms on the horizon—and only united can they hope to turn back the armies of the darkness. 

Linda's Thoughts:
“She would defy laws and kings and Eld mages and demons and even the Church of Light to be with him. She would tear down the barriers that still lived in her mind, confront whatever darkness lurked behind them, and defeat the Mage who thought to claim her soul. That soul--and every part of her--belongs to Ranier vel'En Daris. There would never be happiness for her that did not include him.”

LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS by C.L. Wilson is the second installment in the author's Tairen Soul series. Oh my! This sequel was great and had me on the edge of my seat thru-out! It's truly a romance for the ages... with another heartbreaking romance, albeit just as breathtaking, in the background.

Trust me in this. This is absolutely a series that you must read in order. It's no loss to do so as the first book, LORD OF THE FADING LANDS, is a fantastic read.

This series is set in an incredible fantasy world where humans reside alongside the fey and the dark forces. The fey and the dark are engaged in a never-ending battle for control with the dark going to any lengths to win. The humans are pawns of the dark with the fey as their only champions - though the mortals have been manipulated to believe that the fey are not their friends.

This installment picks up right where the prior book, LORD OF THE FADING LANDS, ended and primarily focuses on Ellysetta's and Fey Lord Rain's courtship and wedding preparations and seeing Ellysetta uncover and become comfortable with her own magical ability. While Ellysetta and Rain are truemates, Ellysetta is still the innocent and Rain the tortured hero. There's many issues for them to work out and they must learn to trust each other. Rain must come to grips with the sorrow of having scorched the world AND  his prejudices. Rain must also reconcile his feelings of betraying his first wife, Sariel. Rain's investigation of Ellysetta's true heritage could have far-reaching ramifications in their relationship. Danger lurks everywhere - even in Ellysetta's dreams. There's plenty of pomp and circumstance intermingled with swoon worthy romance, humor galore, and creepy villains to give readers the chills.

This installment features humans, fey, tairen soul, demons, eld mages and elves. I love Bel, the leader of her quintet, and the other fey members protecting her. This installment added the former Dark Lord, Gaelen, to the mix. Gaelen is not averse to using dark magic if that's what it takes to protect his queen; but there are consequences to using dark magic which must be dealt with. I've fallen in love with Elfeya and Shan; their story breaks my heart. The twist involving Adrial is an oh no! I can't wait to see how that plays out.

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from LADY OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS:

“The last time I saw him, he was hustling his wife away from the table, and she was shedding clothes as she went. Ah, gods." He rubbed his face. "I pray they made it to their rooms before...”
---

“He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it, a tender gesture that made her heart melt. "Come. Let us dance the skies together.”
---

“He sat beside her. "What sort of things did you dream of?"
"Oh, what most young girls do, I imagine. Fey tales. True love." She gave a small, self-conscious laugh. "You.”
---

“Live well. Love deep. Tomorrow, we die.”
---

“Elfeya guided her truemate's hand to her breast and leaned down to kiss him. "Love me, Shan," she whispered against his mouth.
"As if it were the first time. As if it were the last."
"Always," he vowed.”

The next book, KING OF SWORD AND SKY, is already on my nightstand waiting for me to open it. My library has half of this series filed in the science fiction section and half under fiction. Whatever it's labeled, it's an addictive series, for sure. I highly recommend the Tairen Soul series to anyone who enjoys epic romantic fantasies with plentiful thrilling plot twists!



For your reference, this is the recommended reading order of the series: