This fantasy tale is written in the vein of ‘Lord of the Rings’ and other allegorical fantasies. It was very enjoyable but the ending seemed abrupt – obviously a sequel is coming. ( )

A little about the story:
Rowan is an outcast. She has been raised by a couple who adopted her as a baby. She has never been accepted in her country town, and when she shows signs of a power that nobody understands; she is accused of witchcraft and banished from her home. When offered a chance to work as a Varor (bodyguard) to a royal princess, she jumps at the opportunity, since she has nowhere else to go. Since her father had taught her to use a sword before he went off to war, she feels this is the best hope she has for a future, as long as she can hide her unique abilities and the mark on her hand.

Daughter of Light is Rowan's story of longing, fear, trust and redemption. Even with questions burning inside her, she does not trust anyone enough to ask about her unique abilities. She does not find out the truth about her heritage until her life is in danger. Rowan is a survivor. She is a strong young woman, but with inner fears. As I read through this story, I felt and instant connection with Rowan's character. I was so emotionally involved in her story that I could not put the book down (well, ebook anyway) until I had read the whole story. I was intrigued as well by Lore. Although he has his own struggles, he puts the welfare of others first, and his job as 2nd in command of the King's Army, as well as one of the Varor (bodyguard) to the King.

I felt that this book was very well written, well thought out and definitely worth reading. I was captured not only by the author's amazing descriptions of places and scenes, but with the wealth of information about each character and their interactions or relationships with each other. I loved the bit of mystery and danger, as well as the heartwarming moments throughout this story.

Due to a few sensitive subjects, moments, within the story; I recommend this book for ages 16 and up. This is a good, clean Young Adult, or adult fiction novel well-worth reading more than once. I hope that author Morgan Busse writes a sequel, as I'd love to continue on Rowan's and Lore's journeys; as well as see what happens to Caleb. ( )