Rating: 
Summary: More Tightly Focused Than Previous Two Books
Review: After perusing sales rankings and reviews, it would appear that this series has not garnered the audience of some of its peers, such as Jordan's "Wheel of Time," Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire," Hobb's "Liveship Traders," Kerr's "Deverry and Westlands Cycle," Goodkind's "Sword of Truth," or even Feist's "Riftwar Saga." While popularity is not necessary evidence of worth, I suspect, as previous reviewers have noted, both for this work, as well as the preceding volumes, that the author's at times over-exuberant use of language in her writing has contributed as much as anything else to keeping a larger audience at a distance. This is unfortunate, as this ongoing tale, particularly as witnessed by the stirring and tautly rendered battle scenes in this book, has much to offer.Wurt's strengths are evocative characterizations, complex and multi-layered plotlines and magical realms, and, when not engaged in over-embellishment, vivid and energetic descriptive detail. Unfortunately it is true that the tale at times gets bogged down or muddied by a profuse use of language, and this becomes variously a strength as well as the series' greatest detriment. Nonetheless, I believe there is far more of value going on here than should be dismissed simply because of a difficulty with language. Perhaps it is because I have become inured to Wurt's tendency to overwork her prose, but it seemed as if in this book she had lightened the flourish of her pen. In any event, for those that have become engaged in the world of Athera, there is much that takes place in this volume, and in a more compressed fashion than in the previous two books. A major revelation occurs, and several of the main characters face trials that will permanently alter their lives. The events build to tension that should keep you reading, and the suspense is handled deftly, keeping the imaginary nerves taut. In many ways I feel this is the best book yet of the series. Highly recommended if you can work past the densely worded use of narrative.
Rating:
Summary: More Tightly Focused Than Previous Two Books
Review: After perusing sales rankings and reviews, it would appear that this series has not garnered the audience of some of its peers, such as Jordan's "Wheel of Time," Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire," Hobb's "Liveship Traders," Kerr's "Deverry and Westlands Cycle," Goodkind's "Sword of Truth," or even Feist's "Riftwar Saga." While popularity is not necessary evidence of worth, I suspect, as previous reviewers have noted, both for this work, as well as the preceding volumes, that the author's at times over-exuberant use of language in her writing has contributed as much as anything else to keeping a larger audience at a distance. This is unfortunate, as this ongoing tale, particularly as witnessed by the stirring and tautly rendered battle scenes in this book, has much to offer. Wurt's strengths are evocative characterizations, complex and multi-layered plotlines and magical realms, and, when not engaged in over-embellishment, vivid and energetic descriptive detail. Unfortunately it is true that the tale at times gets bogged down or muddied by a profuse use of language, and this becomes variously a strength as well as the series' greatest detriment. Nonetheless, I believe there is far more of value going on here than should be dismissed simply because of a difficulty with language. Perhaps it is because I have become inured to Wurt's tendency to overwork her prose, but it seemed as if in this book she had lightened the flourish of her pen. In any event, for those that have become engaged in the world of Athera, there is much that takes place in this volume, and in a more compressed fashion than in the previous two books. A major revelation occurs, and several of the main characters face trials that will permanently alter their lives. The events build to tension that should keep you reading, and the suspense is handled deftly, keeping the imaginary nerves taut. In many ways I feel this is the best book yet of the series. Highly recommended if you can work past the densely worded use of narrative.
Rating: 
Summary: she does it again!
Review: And I thought "Wheel of Time" was good! This book obviously isn't complete in itself, and you need to have read Ships of Merior to really understand it. However, unlike with many hefty epics, I actually felt the emotions of the characters instead of just yawning and waiting for the story to get interesting. The characters are endearing and it breaks my heart that Arithon and Elaira can't be together! (I'm a hopeless romantic). I can't wait to read the next novel!
Rating:
Summary: a good 2nd half
Review: I really can see how this book is the second half of "Ships of Merior"--it flows perfectly and sets up the stage for what will hopefully be a terrific final showdown in the next few books. I came to understand a little bit more about both prince's characters, although I still believe that Arithon is the hero and Lysaer is an over-zealous prig. But that's just me. Read this one RIGHT after "ships".
Rating:
Summary: a good 2nd half
Review: I really can see how this book is the second half of "Ships of Merior"--it flows perfectly and sets up the stage for what will hopefully be a terrific final showdown in the next few books. I came to understand a little bit more about both prince's characters, although I still believe that Arithon is the hero and Lysaer is an over-zealous prig. But that's just me. Read this one RIGHT after "ships".
Rating:
Summary: a good 2nd half
Review: I really can see how this book is the second half of "Ships of Merior"--it flows perfectly and sets up the stage for what will hopefully be a terrific final showdown in the next few books. I came to understand a little bit more about both prince's characters, although I still believe that Arithon is the hero and Lysaer is an over-zealous prig. But that's just me. Read this one RIGHT after "ships".
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!!
Review: I've not read such a good series since the Shannara trilogy and I'm beginning to think this is better. Ms. Wurts adds even more twists and turns and warps our perception of light and darkness, much like Modesitt in his Recluce series. Read it!!
Rating: 
Summary: overly belabored writing, predictable characters/development
Review: That just about sums it up. I'd rather read other equally (if not more) verbose writers such as Tad Williams and Stephen R. Donaldson. After half of "Curse of the Mistwraith," I started skimming to get the gist of the action rather than be bogged down by the language. I find the word "inveigle" especially annoying now, after so many uses of it -- spoken by the characters, no less! Usually I follow the good fantasy/sci-fi series (like her collaborations with Feist) to the bitter end, but this one just has not been worth the time or money -- if you really want to check it out, get it from your library instead, if you can find it. We all know what's going to happen in the end, and I find myself not caring how it gets there in the next 5 or 6 books that the author promises.
Rating:
Summary: Very good!
Review: The books in the Wars of Light and Shadow are the most well writen books I have ever read. It has no protagonist of antagonist. You are given the choice of who's side to choose (Arithon's or Lysaer's). The characters are very complex (which makes it more reallistic), as is the plot. It has very unpredictible turnouts which will make you cry for grief and scream for joy. Wonderful story!
Rating:
Summary: A Tour de Force completion to Ships of Merior!
Review: The tale of the two half-brothers continues in volume 2A of The Wars of Light and Shadow. A carefully balanced alliance has been shattered by
actions not in the control of either brother. Actions that not even the Fellowship of Seven are able to counter. Move and counter move proceed
across the continent of Paravia as Lysaer moves town Mayors and armies in his never ending desire to see the destruction of Arithon. Arithon flees back to the ships that served himself so well as a pirate on his home world of Dascen Elur. But Lysaer pursues him closely. Into this mix comes a character from CURSE OF THE MISTWRAITH, Dakar the Mad Prophet, he of the West Gate prophecy. Devoted to his cups and wenching. Desiring nothing so much as to be left to his own devices he is entwined into the fate of the two brothers. Ms. Wurts weaves a deft tale that reveals incredible depths in these characters. You care so much about each of these that it is hard to take sides. But take sides you will. Lesser characters shine in the roles of friends, lovers or opponents. Stroke and counter stroke are described with a delicate nicety that leaves you wanting more. Events of such striking compassion occur that you will be forced to lay the book aside, but not for long, and contemplate the results.
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