The Heart of Stars by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, Time Travel, Rhiannon's Ride

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: With the leading clan bitterly split and the court torn apart, only fierce, half-human Rhiannon and her winged mare have any chance of rescuing Princess Olwynne and her twin brother. But what duty requires, the heart may regret… The Heart of Stars. An evil necromancer has kidnapped the royal twins, plotting to spill their blood for revenge, and to restore his own family to life. Chaos reigns in the capital, and Rhiannon finds herself burdened with a heavy charge: to save the one woman she hates above all others. It will not be easy to forgive or forget that Olwynne attempted to steal Rhiannon’s true love, the handsome apprentice-witch Lewen – especially since it seems that Olwynne may still be her rival for his affections. As the necromancer’s intrigues grow more desperate, Rhiannon fears that saving the princess could mean risking everything. Lewen, her mare, her freedom, and even her own life.

This is the final book in the Rhiannon's Ride series. Rhiannon has to go and save Olwynne the woman whom she hates and not only that but she has to go back in time to do it. With everything that is going on my heart went out to so many characters. My old favorite, Isabeau has her own hard choices and demons to fight. The story is all so well written. I did cry at some parts as not everyone gets a happy ending. I really could not put this book down until it was done. Kate Forsyth creates these beautifully complex worlds that suck you in. I love reading her writing and hope to see more about the world of Eileanan.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451461444

Pages: 448

Series: Rhiannon’s Ride

Volume: 3

The Shining City by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, Time Travel, Rhiannon's Ride

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Rhiannon, a wild and fierce half-human girl, tamed a winged horse to escape the vicious satyricorn tribe who raised her. In the human world, the handsome apprentice-witch Lewen has convinced her to stay with him and learn to use her strong magical talents. But before her training can commence, Rhiannon must answer for her past crime in…The Shining City. Imprisoned in Sorrowgate Tower, Rhiannon awaits trial for murder and treason. While her days are spent in anticipation of Lewen’s visits, her nights are haunted by the malevolent ghost of a dead queen, hungry to live again. But not many care to listen to the prophetic dreams of a girl who has already been convicted in most people’s mind. Then Lewen begins to cool toward her, and Rhiannon suspects one of the princesses has worked a spell to steal his heart. In a world filled with dark spirits and forbidden magic, conspiracy and intrigue, Rhiannon vows to win back her lover and escape once more, to save the land before it’s too late…

This is the second book in the Rhiannon's Ride. Rhiannon stays with Lewen and even goes to the Shining City and becomes imprisoned. So much happens that Rhiannon can’t see but yet does as she is not fooled by the courtly people. Danger is all around everywhere and you don’t know where it is really coming from. This is such a rich tale that is being woven together. I do not like Olwynne. But then I don’t think you are supposed to. But seeing all of my favorite old characters again was great. I enjoyed reading this story and can’t wait to see how everything will work itself out in the next book, The Heart of Stars.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451460804

Pages: 544

Series: Rhiannon’s Ride

Volume: 2

The Tower of Ravens by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, Time Travel, Rhiannon's Ride

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: One-Horn’s daughter is not like the others of her king. Born of a human father, she lacks the horns so prized by her people and is scorned even by her own mother. Her only chance for escape is to capture one of the legendary flying horses and ride it to freedom – if she can stay on its back long enough. And so this strange, feral girl begins a dangerous journey of love, death, and betrayal that will earn her a new name – Rhiannon, the rider no one can catch. Found wounded, she is rescued and taken to the home of Lewen, a young man just beginning to understand his own magical potential as an apprentice-witch. Rhiannon soon becomes fascinated with the human world…and Lewen. Together they travel through a land where the dead walk and ghosts haunt the living, a place where Rhiannon encounters dark forces that endanger all of Eileanan. But to save the land, she must convince Lewen and the other apprentice-witches to trust her word of the wild half-human girl…

This is the first book in a spin off series, Rhiannon's Ride, that takes place after the six book series The Witches of Eileanan. This is years later where the children of many of the characters are now young adults. Rhiannon is more of a wild girl then human. She is even skittish around people. But Lewen wins her over and they become friends. There is a lot that is going on during this story. The world of Eileanan has changed since last we have seen it. But it is still full of magic and mystery. I loved reading about this new character. She has a fire about her that Kate Forsyth’s other characters hadn't possessed in the other series. I loved reading this continuation of the world of Eileanan with a whole new main character. . I can't wait to read the next book in this series, The Shining City.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451460324

Pages: 448

Series: Rhiannon’s Ride

Volume: 1

The Fathomless Caves by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Mer-people, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, The Witches of Eileanan

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The final war is waged land against sea… In Eileanan, victory has finally been won, and those of faery kind – from the mighty dragons to the mysterious nyx – have sworn their friendship and aid. Only the sea-dwelling Fairgean have refused to sign the Pact of Peace. Driven by ancient hatreds, they have devoted themselves to destroying all who dwell upon the land. Troubled by the darkness that that may lie ahead, Lachlan agrees to release his beloved Iseult from the sacred oath that binds them together. It will then be for Iseult to decide whether she will remain in the mountains to resume life with her own kin, or return to the man who let her go. To help bring peace to Eileanan, Iseult’s flame-haired twin, Isabeau, must also face her most difficult challenge yet. But before she can prove herself worthy of both the scar of the Soul-Sage and the ring of the sorceress, she must first find a way to heal her own wounded spirit.

This is the final book in the Witches of Eileanan. So much is happening in the conclusion to this great saga. They must fight the mer-people. Save their way of life from the seas rising. Lachlan nearly looses Iseult. Isabeau questions herself. They nearly loose the Lodestar. Like I said a lot is happening. But it’s a page turner and you’ll want to read it to see what happens to everyone.

This is one of those great fantasy sagas that has it all. Kate Forsyth brings to life a very rich and beautiful world that you can’t help but wish to be in. This six part saga is amazing and I have read it several times over and will again. I think that it is one that anyone who reads fantasy will love this saga.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451459024

Pages: 400

Series: The Witches of Eileanan

Volume: 6

The Skull of the World by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Mer-people, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, The Witches of Eileanan

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Remember the words of the Soul-Sage: The fastest toute is not always the straightest. In the land of Eileanan, the Pact of Peace has not meant the end of unrest. Isault and Lachlan must continue to deal with their military position in Tirsoilleir – where a spy has compromised their tactical secrets, leaving them at a tremendous loss. Isabeau the witch longs to rejoin her sister and her home in these uncertain times, but she must first complete one last task for her teachers. To find her true purpose in life, she must reach the Skull of the World and listen to the silent words of the White Gods. Few survive. But those who do are changed forever. Now, when she does return home, she does so with an extraordinary gift. But then Margrit of Arran decides to take advantage of Lachlan’s absence by kidnapping his son and heir to the throne, Isabeau must learn to use her gifts in the face of evil – and overcome her enemy once and for all.

This is the fifth book in the Witches of Eileanan saga. Now some of this story over laps with the last book. This story again as always follows many characters. Isabeau is off to learn about her true purpose. I love what she learns about herself. I won’t give it away as it’s a big part of this story. But she has so many adventures in this story. If you hadn’t guessed Isabeau is my favorite character of the whole saga. I have to say this is my favorite book of it as well. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, The Fathomless Caves.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451458699

Pages: 400

Series: The Witches of Eileanan

Volume: 5

The Forbidden Land by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Mer-people, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, The Witches of Eileanan

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Once a thief…After her adventures with the League of the Healing Hand, Finn the Cat finds life at Castle Rurach boring. Snowbound for the winter an faced with the prospect of being molded into “Lady Fionnghal” by her mother, she pines to be on the battlefront with her father against the sea demons… But Finn’s talents are needed elsewhere. Summoned by the Righ, Lachlan the Winged, she must embark on a perilous journey into the Forbidden Land. Imprisoned in the Black Tower is a rebellious prophet whose beliefs have made him an enemy among his own people. Now Finn must help rescue the one whose words can free a land enshrouded in darkness…

This story takes place just outside of the land we have been getting to know. Finn, who was a character from the first book is called upon to help out the Righ. With the whole story that follows her through the Forbidden Land. I liked that they added her story into the mix as you get to see what happened to the other children of the League of the Healing Hand. I thought it was very good. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, The Skull of the World.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451458281

Pages: 416

Series: The Witches of Eileanan

Volume: 4

The Cursed Towers by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Mer-people, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, The Witches of Eileanan

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Magic – and glory – come with a price…A new age dawns in the kingdom of Eileanan, but not without resistance. Now the Righ, Lachlan the Winged, overturns his dead brother’s decrees against witchcraft. But sixteen years of hatred and superstition have cloaked Eileanan in darkness. And though he has won the power of the Lodestar, Lachlan’s rule is challenged by a mere babe – and a civil war erupts… The flame-haired twins – Iseult the Scarred Warrior and Isabeau the apprentice-witch – must go their separate ways. Iseult to fight side by side with her husband, Lachlan. Isabeau to the Cursed Towers, to master her powers – and find the family she has never known. One woman battling for a new reign, one woman learning the old ways, their separate threads will twist and turn into a tale of mayhem, mystery – and magic…

Isabeau makes such a hard decision which also makes Lachlan not trust her. She goes to her mother. Unknowingly she brings her father with her. This is where Isabeau learns a lot about her heritage and her own magic. It is still as good as the others but I do feel that this one is going in more detail about the characters and their back ground, so that it adds more depth to them. Which is something that I love very much. I can't wait to see where this story will go from here in the next book, The Forbidden Land.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451456912

Pages: 560

Series: The Witches of Eileanan

Volume: 3

The Pool of Two Moons by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Mer-people, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, The Witches of Eileanan

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: On the Eclipse o’ the Two Moons, all will be healed or broken, saved or surrendered… It has been sixteen years since the Day of Reckoning, when magic and witchcraft were outlawed throughout all of Eileanan. And through rumors say that she is dead, the Arch-Sorceress Meghan o’ the Beasts still lives. Traveling with her are the true heir to the throne, and the red-haired warrior Iseult. Their fates are woven together in a quest to bring magic back to the land…As Eileanan nears its darkest hour, Meghan must gather rebel forces to move upon the city of Lucescere. There, the Righ lies near death, and his Queen, Maya the Ensorcellor, and her babe stand to inherit his power. To end Maya’s brutal reign and bring magic out of the shadows, what was broken must be brought together: twin sisters who have never met… three parts of an enchanted key…and the winged man with the powers of the lost Lodestar…

This is the second book in the Witches of Eileanan epic series. Things are moving fast now. Everything that Meghan has worked towards is about to happen. The race to get to the Lodestar is beautifully written. I was on the edge of my seat to see how it would play out. So well done and through it all I felt very sorry for the Righ as well as for Maya. I look forward to reading the continuation of this series in the Cursed Towers.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451456904

Pages: 560

Series: The Witches of Eileanan

Volume: 2

The Witches of Eileanan by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Mer-people, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk,

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: ‘Twas a time when dragons left their lair and evil shadowed the Land… On the Day of Reckoning the witches of Eileanan were outlawed – and violations of the new

Order were punishable by death. Eileanan’s Great Towers, once meccas of magic and learning, were left in ruins. And now, the entire land trembles in fear… Yet deep in the mountains, in the shadow of Dragonclaw, a young girl is being tutored in the old ways. Ignorant of her past, uncertain of her future the foundling Isabeau will soon be forced down a dangerous path of prophesy, conspiracy, and magic. It is a world where dragons possess the key to ancient mysteries… where a lost prince will discover a strange and wondrous destiny… and where the ultimate battle between good and evil will be waged… A new day of reckoning is at hand…

This is first book in the Witches of Eileanan series. The story follows a lot of different characters throughout the land that they are traveling through. You have the twins who have never known of one another, Isabeau and Iseult. These would be the main characters of the series. Yes there are many more characters but I felt through this story these where the main ones. One is trying so hard to become a great sorceress just as her guardian is. While the other wants to be a great warrior like that of her father’s people. There is so much happening within this book that it will keep you on your toes. I really loved how the story is told and was drawn deep into the book while I was reading it. I even found myself crying at times. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, The Pool of Two Moons.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451456890

Pages: 416

Series: The Witches of Eileanan

Volume: 1