So much better than the first book but does not stand on it's own outside of the series, which this author perfects in the Retrieval Artist series. ( )

Preparing the way for the next generation of characters, the story opens with the old Islander King being murdered by the Fey Leader, although Rugar has gone to some pains to conceal his actions from everybody so no-one is quite sure who's responsible. This sets the Islander priests on a path to revenge, and the beloved Jewel, forseen as the only hope of peace is in turn murdered by them, although again there is sufficient grounds for uncertainty. Suddenly the new King Nicholas is left unprepared for rule and facing trouble on both fronts.

Meanwhile the Fey/Islander children develop in unexpected ways, and their fates and who has influence over them will determine the fate of the rest of the Isle.

I was very glad that the loose ends left in the previous books were neatly picked up and woven into the story, even if it seems that they'll be only minor characters from now on. Such attention to detail bodes well for the rest of the series. This is evidently more of a mid-series book than the first one, as the plotting doesn't really come to as much of a firm conclusion with many events left in flux, even if some major conclusions are arrived at.

Fun and an enjoyable, if non-canonical faerie fantasy. ( )

NIL