Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I got this book for Christmas as my husband ordered from my Wish List. He ordered the 2nd book in this series - oops.I waited awhile to read it, hoping I'd order the first one - never got around to it and started reading it anyway. It wasn't so hard to pick up the story line as it was pretty lame. I don't mind reading fluff - which this is - but it just wasn't that interesting a story. The characters were not that well drawn except for Ashk the wolf chick. I also didn't mind the dark parts of the story except they seemed to be added just to draw readership instead of a creative exploration of alternate themes. Sigh - won't order any others in either series.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I got this book for Christmas as my husband ordered from my Wish List. He ordered the 2nd book in this series - oops. I waited awhile to read it, hoping I'd order the first one - never got around to it and started reading it anyway. It wasn't so hard to pick up the story line as it was pretty lame. I don't mind reading fluff - which this is - but it just wasn't that interesting a story. The characters were not that well drawn except for Ashk the wolf chick. I also didn't mind the dark parts of the story except they seemed to be added just to draw readership instead of a creative exploration of alternate themes. Sigh - won't order any others in either series.
Rating: 
Summary: Another Winner
Review: I really liked Pillars of the World, and Shadows and Light was no disappointment. It continues the story of Tir Alainn in a vibrant and enticing manner. And while I liked the Daughter of the Blood series-this one stands on its own with its own unique perspective that isn't quite as dark. In the last book she dealt with Love, what it is and what it isn't. In this book, I think she handles the subject of loyalty and respect very well. Truly her *jewels* are shining. And while I am giving a small spoiler here it is interesting to see an author finally bring "the procedure" into print. It has been decried for sometime internationally, but Bishop is the first person I've seen to bring it into her novel. It's about time IMHO. This one is a can't miss!
Rating:
Summary: Read This Series BEFORE the Black Jewels Trilogy!!
Review: I thought I had already reviewed this book, and in a way I am glad I didn't. This way I think I can help a potential reader understand some of the more negative reviews. First let me say that this book is WONDERFUL. I give it 5 stars because it is such a great continuation of the Tir Alainn Trilogy. In waiting for the third book in this trilogy, The House of Gaian which will be available in October 2003, I picked up and started to read her Black Jewels Trilogy and it made me realize WHY people are not as pleased with this trilogy. This book deserves a 5 star rating because it was so well written and good compared to other books in this genre in general, HOWEVER, compared to her Black Jewels Trilogy, this series pales in comparison. I highly recommend to anyone considering reading Anne Bishop's books to start here (well, with The Pillars of the World , the first book), so you can appreciate the story, characters and writing with out comparing it to her other work that is so much more imaginatively written, dark and enchanting. Then move on to the Black Jewels Trilogy so you can be awed at how a great author can be even better than you imagined! One more thing to note, having read 2 of Anne Bishop's middle books in two different Trilogy's, I can say that she does it wonderfully! One can always get a little nervous that the second book is there to drag out the story so the publishers can sell more books, but in her case, they are both well written and keep the same pace as their first counterparts! I hope to see many more books by this author in the years to come!
Rating: 
Summary: Bishop can do better
Review: If you enjoyed Pillars of the World, then you will enjoy Shadows and Light. But like Pillars, it doesn't have the umph and edge that Bishops Dark Jewels trilogy instilled in that world. So while Shadows is a good read, it is not the sort of book you just pick up on a whim.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable, but a sequel all the same
Review: If you enjoyed Pillars of the World, then you will enjoy Shadows and Light. But like Pillars, it doesn't have the umph and edge that Bishops Dark Jewels trilogy instilled in that world. So while Shadows is a good read, it is not the sort of book you just pick up on a whim.
Rating:
Summary: another amazing work
Review: It has now been over three years since I first picked up Anne's work. From the start of Daughter of the Blood she sucked me into her worlds. But I think with Shadows and Light she has truly hit her stride. Not as much in the story itself, but in the way she tells her stories. In Shadows and Light, which picks up just after Pillars of the World, the Bard and the Muse set out to convince their Fae kin that the witches are also kin and deserve protection from the Inquisition, which is revaging the land and the women. Trying to convince the fae the east continues to prove futile, so they head for the Western clans, which have been looked down upon by the Fae for some time. They find Morag there, with her sister Morphia, as well as some other unexpected people. And, possibly, a way to save the fae, witches, land, and humans.
I refuse to spoil too much of the story, but it is SO worthwhile! So what if there's no Daemon?
Rating:
Summary: vivid fantasy world
Review: It is the witches across the land that anchors the roads that lead to Tir Alainn, the home of the fae. The Inquisitors say the witches are evil so they drive them out of their homes or kill them. Every time that happens a piece of Tir Alainn disappears. The fae, for the most part, are arrogant creatures and don't want to believe that anything in the human world can affect them. The Inquisitors also believe that women are second class citizens whom should be under the domination of their fathers or husbands and it is believed their rights should be taken away from them. They have made headway in the East and are trying to extend their influence in the west. Aiden the Bard and his mate Lyrra the Muse understand the threat to humans and fae but nobody will listen to them. They must find The Hunter, the one member of the fae that every other fae will heed and convince him to help save the witches or Tir Alainn will be no more. Anne Bishop has created a vivid fantasy world and populated it with creatures from legends and myth. The story line is deep and complex, with many sub-plots tying back into the main theme. SHADOWS AND LIGHT is a beautiful fantasy novel that will keep readers turning the pages until they reach the end of the tale. It is to be hoped that the final installment in this great series will be out soon. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Best Series Ever
Review: Of all the books I have read this one in the best so far. Not only does the author combine elements of romance and mystery but also incorporates elements of Wicca. I can't wait until The House of Gaian comes out on 10/7. I have read the excerpt on the authors web site and if the rest of the book is as good as the excerpt... This series is a must read!!! In my opinion Anne Bishop is on the same level as Piers Anthony, Maggie Furey, and Anne McCaffrey. So if you can truly get into the books you read; laugh, cry, and feel the pain and joy of the characters then hold on and prepare for the ride of your life.
Rating:
Summary: Best Series Ever
Review: Of all the books I have read this one in the best so far. Not only does the author combine elements of romance and mystery but also incorporates elements of Wicca. I can't wait until The House of Gaian comes out on 10/7. I have read the excerpt on the authors web site and if the rest of the book is as good as the excerpt... This series is a must read!!! In my opinion Anne Bishop is on the same level as Piers Anthony, Maggie Furey, and Anne McCaffrey. So if you can truly get into the books you read; laugh, cry, and feel the pain and joy of the characters then hold on and prepare for the ride of your life.
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