Lady of Light and Shadows - C. L. Wilson

Since her earliest memories, Ellysetta Baristani has feared magic, even as she has been inexorably drawn to all things Fey, especially the poetry and legends of Rain Tairen Soul. Now claimed as Rain’s truemate and no longer able to deny her own magic, Ellysetta is swept into the very center of a struggle filled with the magic and darkness she has always feared. The High Mage of Eld wants to capture her. The most murderous dahl’reisen who ever lived wants her dead. And
her enemies will corrupt even the people she loves most in their quest to claim her magic for themselves

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It's been a while since I read this book and I hope I can do it justice as the details are starting to be a bit fuzzy. I want to start book 3 of the series so I thought I should review this one first. It follows the events of book one, with Rain Tairen Soul continuing his courtship of Ellie while at the same time trying to control the political events in Celieria that threaten his people.

On the one hand he and Ellie become closer, he feels the strength and the magic in her but Ellie is not ready to face her demons as she keeps having nightmares that leave her terrified and seem to be related to the evil High Mage. Her relationship with her parents and especially her mother also gets more complicated. While Ellie tries to make sense of what his happening to her and her new powers we also have more information about what is going on in Eld and what are Ellie's real origins.

On the other hand Rain not only has some political difficulties to overcome but he also has to face Ellie's newfound power and what might that mean. I really liked the courtship scenes and couldn't help feeling Rain shouldn't have taken so long away from Ellie. While he has some issues to accept it seemed to me they were already in a stage of their relationship where he should know staying away was not the answer. At the same time it was a good opportunity for Elli to show how strong she really is.

I was quite happy with the new character the author introduces in this book, who, while looked on with distrust by almost everyone, becomes Ellie's loyal supporter and protector. Together with Ellie's Quintet they make a fearless and interesting group and I can't wait to read more about them. This protector is the first one who truly recognises Ellie for what she is and in the end she will be called upon to use her powers.

As a whole I thought this book was a bit more confusing than book 1 and the beginning is a bit slow. Many of the things mentioned have already been covered before. In fact this book should be read after Lord of The Fading Lands because I don't think it would work as a standalone.

Grade: 4.5/5