Conquest (Unicorn and Dragon, Vol II)

Rating:
Summary: Good story line, but could of been written better
Review: I didn't like this book much because, the writer skipped between the characters minds and I had a hard time following everytime she skipped between.

The story plot, in its self, was good. I liked the way the plot ran and how it kept you wondering at the end.

The only problem that I had was the writing. I would settle into the story as one persons point of view and then she would change it.

Over all if you could deal with re-reading paragraphs to find out how shes talking about, the book it worth reading. I wouldn't read it again though.

Rating:
Summary: A complex sequel to Unicorn and Dragon
Review: The story continues ...

In 1066 England, the Norman invasion is about to happen. The Anglo Saxon land-owners are frightened: they are farmers, not warriors, not anymore. England lies in the grip of a cruel winter.

Our main characters, Alison and Wildecent, find themselves without the protection of their father who has fallen on hard times. Against their will, they and their land are assimilated under the protection of a Norman lord who is the ruthless and ambitious uncle of the young man Stephen whom they rescued in the woods that winter.

Frightened and alone, they join the Norman lord's household. Their status is uncertain. It looks at times that the Norman lord may wed Alison himself so as to lock down his claim to her land.

Alison further explores her Wiccan earth magic and tightens her psychic hold on young Stephen whom she wants to wed. Wildecent realizes that she has always wanted what she never could have: magic powers of her own. Back when their mysterious aunt taught Alison the Old Ways, Wildecent had to serve as assistant, completing the drudge tasks of simple herblore while watching Alison attain mystical states beyond her reach.

Now, she finds herself drawn to young Stephen's companion, a young Greek magician who practices a form of high ceremonial magic that anyone with a logical, disciplined mind can master. Alison, however, considers it sorcery. To her, it stands in unnatural opposition to her intuitive earth magic. So Wildecent must keep her studies a secret.

This is a terrific read, filled with gritty realistic details of life in medieval England. At the same time, it has amazing scenes of magical encounters with the old gods. I highly recommend this two-book series.