Rating: 
Summary: A good book--maybe not as good as the others, but...
Review: very important, nonetheless. This book had me in tears at times due to the very emotional way Ms. Wurts has in writing about some of the characters' relationships--Arithon & Jieret's for example. Sure the text is a little wordy, but I think that without all the descriptions, we may not have as good a grasp on the landscape & world as possible.Some of the best sub-plots, I thought were the ones with Lirenda. Sure, she's annoying and a complete witch, but at least she got what she deserved. I loved the increase of Ath's adepts in this book. I think they add something to the life of the book--I mean, they can disappear into thin air! How cool is that? Most annoying character in this book has to be Elaira. She was really interesting at one point, but then about 1/3 of the way through, she got really boring and annoying. The most entertaining characters in this book awards have to go to our favorite discorporate sorcerers--Luhaine and Karamandon (?). With mediation by Sethvir and Dakar, the interplay between these two surely show their talent. Add to that mix the introduction of Davien, and the players are all there. As for Davien, I think the best part of the book, where we really got to see into Arithon's mind, was when he is with Davien. But I don't want to spoil that... I think this is a great series, and many things happen in this book alone to change the way the rest of the series may run. I can't wait for the next book!
Rating:
Summary: Wurts creates a beautiful tapestry of land and characters
Review: What I like about Janny Wurts's writing is how beautifully textured and rich the world and characters are. While I wouldn't recommend starting with this book, I would highly recommend starting with Curse of the Mistwraith, the first book in The Wars of Light and Shadow. Wurts creates characters who grow, make mistakes, change, and sometimes do amazing things. Arithon, the hero, draws readers in from the first book. I also like that the world of Athera is itself almost a character in the book. The characters affect the land and the land affects the characters. I can never predict where Wurts will take her characters next; I do know that I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next.
Rating: 
Summary: Moving onwards and upwards
Review: Wurts'latest book in the Wars of Light and Shadow series is, in a word, magnificent. After a somewhat repetitive period in the last few books that focused on the exile of Arithon and pursuit of his half brother, Lysear, Wurts has in "Peril's Gate" created a new scenario. This time, Arithon is not successful in his attempt to seek solace on the wide blue ocean. Instead, due to circumstances beyond his control, he is forced to stay on dry land. As such, Lysear is able to feel the pull of his half brother through the curse they share, and orders a relentless pursuit of Arithon. Peril's Gate moves paces ahead in the story of the two half-brothers. Wurts draws readers deeper into the troubles of the world and the roles the magicians play in saving it. In "Peril's Gate", we experience the growth of Dakar the Prophet, soul-searching of Arithon, a renewed love for Arithon by Elaira, mysterious events that occur around Lysear's wife and son, and we learn more of Davien the Betrayer. The book is brilliant, pace-y and brings renewed interest and focus to Wurts' world. It is a step up and forward from previous dallying. It is darker, heavier, more serious; but all the more pleasurable to read. I can't wait for the next book, as we reach a pinnacle and pivotal point of the story of the Master of Shadow.
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