Rating: 
Summary: Secrets would be their downfall
Review: Seeds of Fire, the second entry of Laura Adams' magical Tunnel of Light fantasy trilogy is an enchanting gift to her readers. Opening just days after the ending of Sleight of Hand (the first book in the trilogy), Seeds further braids themes of reincarnation, loss, betrayal, and redemption through a circle of contemporary women -- Ursula, Autumn, Kelly, Taylor, Elizabeth -- who find themselves sharing dreams of earlier lives together. Intelligent and intense, these women possess strengths and skills they do not fully understand as they struggle to repair a tragedy that echoes through the ages. Sleight of Hand deals with the origin for the legend of St. Ursula and the 11,000 virgins (circa 450 C.E.) and though Adams provides a great deal of background in Seeds, readers will do better to read the books in order. (Besides it's more fun!) In this second novel, readers witness the gathering of Ursula's circle in the early 12th century. The bard Hilea has made a place for herself as the Abbess Hildegard von Bingen (a remarkable, real life woman and an inspiration for the series) in Cologne. Hildegard has written a liturgy for the legend of "St Ursula and the 11,000 virgins" to "call" the other women back together. Believing they have lost Ursula to the Darkness, the contemporary Taylor, Liz, and Kelly are devastated. Taylor takes desperate measures to try to determine how their Lammas circle went wrong. In many ways Seeds is Taylor's story, revealing her early training in the Old Religion, and that even in her childhood she was "certain of her right to meddle." (p 92) Taylor must confront that hubris. She seeks answers to her failings, faces the Circle of All Circles, and finds herself again. Meanwhile Kelly, feeling betrayed and hurt, turns to other sources for comfort, a power that will further Kelly down a dangerous path. Adams' examination of Kelly's corruption by Darkness in the past and the present, is insightful, thoughtful, and forthright. Unknown to the women of Taylor's circle, the mysterious "magician and warrior" Autumn rescued Ursula from the Darkness that has haunted them for over 1500 years. Ursula survived the magical transportation at the cost of her memory, adding confusion to their plight. When Autumn begins to dream of Hildegard's time, she finds that she has gone to great lengths to attempt to save Ursula in the past. Autumn knows that the danger of the Darkness is still waiting for them, and she is determined to protect Ursula this time. In addition to the mystical complications these characters face, old-fashioned poor communication plays a role in their dilemma. Even Autumn's dog, Scylla seems aware of this. When Autumn considers telling Ursula about her dreams, and the dog thumps her tail hard on the floor as though saying, "Yes, tell her, you fool." (p 101)
As is often the case with middle aspects of trilogies, Seeds is a darker story than Sleight. Adams' characters complicate their entanglements via miscommunication, assumptions, doubts, and secrets. Despite the ominously growing power of the darkness, Seeds is a pleasure to read. The historical segments are well researched and authentically recreated. The story is engrossing with interesting, rich characterization. Adams provides balance to the darkness with her quiet, ironic humor, and the potential for perfect love and perfect trust to triumph. One of the finest writers of "lesbian fiction" today, Kallmaker via her Adams pen name blurs genre lines. The woman writes wonderful, lively, lush fantasy stories. That they feature lesbian characters is added fun for her readers. Her writing entices us to enter a world not far from our own; yet it's a place where magic can and must be mastered. Adams weaves together powerful imagery and themes, including leitmotifs such as the reappearing Norns -- the three wise women or "Fates" in Norse mythology who represent "Became, Becoming, and Shall Be." Indeed, Seeds of Fire appears to encompass the "Becoming" aspect of the Tunnel of Light trilogy. This reader eagerly awaits what Shall Be in the upcoming final novel, "The Forge of Virgins."
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Read -- When do I get the next one?
Review: What happens when you've moved heaven and earth, reached past time and space to reunite with the woman you love and she doesn't know you? That's only the beginning of "Seeds of Fire." In the sequel to "Sleight of Hand," Laura Adams (Kallmaker) doesn't find easy answers. Instead, she creates more questions. The same cast of characters come back to life, but she expands the depth and breath of their involvement within the story and with each other. "Seeds of Fire" is a fantasy based upon the ancient legend of St. Ursula. In the early days of Christianity in the British Isles, St. Ursula was revered because she chose martyrdom over marriage to a pagan king. Adams speculates about the reasons for Ursula's fate other than her devotion to the "White Christ." What truly provoked her escape, execution and exile into chaos? This is a tale of jealousy, music, magic and love that spans two millennia. "Seeds of Fire" expands on the characters developed in "Sleight of Hand." We get to know them better. As often happens in real life, we may think we know someone well enough to extend trust, only to be rebuked by his or her own agenda. Such is the case with Seeds. It's the classic tale between good and evil, but Adams still manages to surprise us. Can someone read this book without having read the first? Yes, this book stands on its own, but it's highly recommended that you read the first of the trilogy. It simply adds to the suspense and angst if you have the background that "Sleight of Hand" provides. This story was meant to be a series. Having read the second of the trilogy only makes me yearn for the third. Besides, if you're into a good read, finding another good read makes it that much more satisfying. Either way, you're in for something special.
Rating:
Summary: Music, Magic & Mysticism
Review: What happens when you've moved heaven and earth, reached past time and space to reunite with the woman you love and she doesn't know you? That's only the beginning of "Seeds of Fire." In the sequel to "Sleight of Hand," Laura Adams (Kallmaker) doesn't find easy answers. Instead, she creates more questions. The same cast of characters come back to life, but she expands the depth and breath of their involvement within the story and with each other. "Seeds of Fire" is a fantasy based upon the ancient legend of St. Ursula. In the early days of Christianity in the British Isles, St. Ursula was revered because she chose martyrdom over marriage to a pagan king. Adams speculates about the reasons for Ursula's fate other than her devotion to the "White Christ." What truly provoked her escape, execution and exile into chaos? This is a tale of jealousy, music, magic and love that spans two millennia. "Seeds of Fire" expands on the characters developed in "Sleight of Hand." We get to know them better. As often happens in real life, we may think we know someone well enough to extend trust, only to be rebuked by his or her own agenda. Such is the case with Seeds. It's the classic tale between good and evil, but Adams still manages to surprise us. Can someone read this book without having read the first? Yes, this book stands on its own, but it's highly recommended that you read the first of the trilogy. It simply adds to the suspense and angst if you have the background that "Sleight of Hand" provides. This story was meant to be a series. Having read the second of the trilogy only makes me yearn for the third. Besides, if you're into a good read, finding another good read makes it that much more satisfying. Either way, you're in for something special.
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