Lady of Light and Shadows (Tairen Soul, #2)

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Lady of Light and Shadows (Tairen Soul #2)

by C.L. Wilson (Goodreads Author)

4.34 of 5 stars 4.34 · rating details · 3,227 ratings · 258 reviews

He had stepped from the sky to claim her like an enchanted prince from the pages of a fairy tale, but behind the mesmerizing beauty of his violet eyes she saw the driving hunger of the beast and an endless sorrow only she could heal.

Only for him would she embrace her frightening magic. Only for him would she find the courage to confront the shadows that haunted her soul....more

Mass Market Paperback, Cover by Judy York, 386 pages

Published October 30th 2007 by Leisure Books

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Lady of Light and Shadows by C.L. Wilson

Fantasy Romance

3rd out of 138 books — 158 voters

Best Scifi/ Fantasy romances adventures with strong plot

2nd out of 42 books — 40 voters

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Feb 18, 2010 Zeek rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites-all-time, fantasy-rom, alpha-hero, chick-fantasy, favorite-hero, favorite-heroine, shifters, sidhe

Second in C. L. Wilson's impressive Tairen Soul series, I couldn't get this one read fast enough. (At one point I was so anxious to see what happens next, I had to actually take a deep breath and slow myself down!)

Starting right where the first, (Lord of The Fading Lands), left off, we are thrust back into the intricately woven world Wilson has created, with every page an entertaining revelation.

The courtship between Ellysetta Baristani and the Fey Lord Rain, is moving along at a fast clip, but...more Second in C. L. Wilson's impressive Tairen Soul series, I couldn't get this one read fast enough. (At one point I was so anxious to see what happens next, I had to actually take a deep breath and slow myself down!)

Starting right where the first, (Lord of The Fading Lands), left off, we are thrust back into the intricately woven world Wilson has created, with every page an entertaining revelation.

The courtship between Ellysetta Baristani and the Fey Lord Rain, is moving along at a fast clip, but of course not fast enough for Rain. He's ready to complete the mating bonds and get her back to safety in the Fading Lands, for the evil mages known as the Eld are on the move and would like nothing more than to capture Elly. But he's made a vow to her mortal father that he will not touch her until they marry in the mortal tradition and he means to honor it.

Elly is helplessly drawn to Rain- they are destined to be mates- but the slow courtship works well for her as she is just coming into her powers. Powers long thought to be evil. (What's girl to do? She instinctively knows this isn't the case, but it's difficult getting past old mindsets, ya know?)

Little does she know how much the magic is ingrained in her and how powerful she really is! Not even Rain knows, though he suspects she is more than the common woodcarver's daughter everyone thinks she is, until one frightening moment when it all comes pouring out.

Along with her power, old superstitions come to the forefront, and the fall out is so moving- with loved ones running scared all around- it grabbed my heart and didn't let go. The way The Evilest of Mages uses the betrayals against her in the final battle scene is particularly effective.

Wilson weaves together many threads so masterfully you just can't help be in a bit of awe while reading it. I LOVED that aspect of this novel.

Second to that are the excellent characters that populate this novel. Their motivations ring true and make me anxious to read some of their stories sometime in the future! **hint, hint**

I even loved the political machinations going on around them, and you know how that can bog down a book!

This book does romance and fantasy the way I always dreamed it could be.
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Mar 18, 2008 Tina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sff-fantasy, sff-romance

This book picks up right where Lord of the Fading Lands left off. Ellie is still participating in all the pre-wedding observances, the minion of the Eld Mage is still running around in various incarnations fomenting chaos, Rain is still trying to convince everyone the Eld Mages are returning to rain their dark magical terror and the fey are still surrounding Ellie in force trying to protect her.

The strengths and weaknesses of the first book are still evident in this follow up. This makes utter s...more This book picks up right where Lord of the Fading Lands left off. Ellie is still participating in all the pre-wedding observances, the minion of the Eld Mage is still running around in various incarnations fomenting chaos, Rain is still trying to convince everyone the Eld Mages are returning to rain their dark magical terror and the fey are still surrounding Ellie in force trying to protect her.

The strengths and weaknesses of the first book are still evident in this follow up. This makes utter sense, because the two books together read like one whole book that was abruptly cut in half.

The strong point remains the writing. The writing is accessible and the author's voice is very engaging. The weak points, imo, remain the pace and the construction of the characters of the Evil Mages. They are so unremittingly evil, none of them work from a place of doubt, there are no twinges of conscious, no evidence of buried humanity, no struggle at all. This makes for a very flat villain and it makes reading about them un-enjoyable. There is no surprise, no ambivalence on the reader's part that could make the reading experience a bit richer.

Wilson does a much better job on the not-villains, especially Lauriana, Ellie's mother and Gaelen. From a reader's perspective, Lauriana is just plain annoying. But she makes sense as a flawed character. She is working from a place of utter belief that what she knows and what she is doing is right.

And then there is Gaelen. His arrival gave the book a much needed shot of adrenalin. I thought the first half of the book was still a lot of lead-up. Coming after what was pretty much all set up in the first book, this was pretty frustrating. And then at the mid-point of the book things start to cook. The pace picks up considerably, plot threads start to converge, and Gaelen arrives. Gaelen is a nicely realized character. He is not a good guy at all, but he has honor and purpose. And I love the sense of impatience and mild contempt that the author has given him for his own people. Given this character's background and experiences, it strikes just the right tone.

The second half of the book is superb. Tightly plotted, suspenseful and most of all there is some real forward momentum going into the next book.(less)

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Sep 20, 2012 Roxanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-stars

Why did I wait so long to read this!?!?! This book was AMAZING! There were so many characters in this book I wanted to shake some sense into and that stunt Rain pulled near the end almost had me in tears. I swear if someone tried to take my ebook reader off me while I was reading this book I would have bitten their hand off or clawed their eyes out. I hope book 3 is as epic as this one.

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Apr 24, 2012 Hanife rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, alpha-male-character, e-books, er-romance, favorites, marriage-mated-bonded, medieval, reading-english, series-i-haven-t-finished, fantasy, made-me-cry

Bu yorum aynı zamanda Romancekolikte yayınlanmıştır.

Yorumumu okumadan önce ilk kitaptaki görüşlerimi okursanız, kurguyu daha iyi anlayacağınızı düşünüyorum;

Lord of the Fading Lands(Tairen Soul,#1)

--

Wow!

Kitap ilkine göre daha çok aksiyon, aşk ve entrika barındırıyordu. Dayanılmaz formülüm. :) Kızımız daha ağırlığını koyabilen, ne istediği bilen biri haline gelmeye başladı. E durum böyle olunca Eld'ler - kötü büyücü ırkı - şehirdeki tüm insanları Feylere - iyi büyü kullanan ırk - karşı döndürme...more

Bu yorum aynı zamanda Romancekolikte yayınlanmıştır.

Yorumumu okumadan önce ilk kitaptaki görüşlerimi okursanız, kurguyu daha iyi anlayacağınızı düşünüyorum;

Lord of the Fading Lands(Tairen Soul,#1)

--

Wow!

Kitap ilkine göre daha çok aksiyon, aşk ve entrika barındırıyordu. Dayanılmaz formülüm. :) Kızımız daha ağırlığını koyabilen, ne istediği bilen biri haline gelmeye başladı. E durum böyle olunca Eld'ler - kötü büyücü ırkı - şehirdeki tüm insanları Feylere - iyi büyü kullanan ırk - karşı döndürmek için elinden geleni arkasına koymuyor. Bu plana kraliçeyi, kızın annesini hatta en yakın arkadaşını bile katmaktan geri kalmıyorlar. Tüm entrikaların ortasında çiftimiz ilk kitabın bitiminde olan, kızımızın kraliçenin oyunuyla afrodizyak etkisi yaratan bir içki yüzünden tüm salona arzu yaymasının etkilerini yaşamaktalar. Kızımız yaptığı şeyden dolayı - elinde olmasada bu durum - utanç duyuyor. Aynı zamanda politik bir krizinde başlangıcını getirmekte.

Herkes Rain'in büyü yaptığını sanıyor ve insanlar toplam yedi saat boyunca iradeleri ellerinden alındığı için şaşkın, huzursuz ve sinirliler. Tamda Eld'lere sınırların açılmaması için yapılacak toplantının arifesinde bu olayın patlaması Feylere çok zarar veriyor. Eld'lerin saman altı işleriyle de sanki Eld'ler kötülenmeye çalışan bir grupmuş gibi gösteriliyor. Bu kadar entrikanın ortasında çiftimiz kur süreçlerini tamamlamaya çalışıyor. Kızımızın rüyaları gece Rain ile yattığından yok olsa da karanlık güçler hala Ellie'yi arama peşindeler.

Yazar kurguya yeni karakterlerde katmış bu arada. Kızımızın anne babası eşleşmiş bir Fey çifti. Baş bir Eld büyücüsü tarafından bin yıldır tutulmaktalar. Büyücü üzerlerinde her türlü işkence ve deneyi kullanmış. Ellie'de bu deneylerinden biri. Kızın annesi çocukla bir şekilde büyücünün elinden kaçmayı becerip kızı kurtarmış. Ama gücünden korkması, kullanmaması içinde çocuğa bir büyü yapmışlar. Eğer gücü ortaya çıkarsa Baş büyücü direk onu bulur diye bunu yapıyorlar.

Kurguya bir diğer katılan ise ilk kitapta adını çok duyduğumuz Karanlıklar Lordu. Bu adam bin yıl önce kardeşinin ölümü üzerine Büyü Savaşını başlatan ve ondan sonra da dahl'reisen - yani kayıp ruha - dönüşen bir Fey savaşçısı. Kendisinin muzur hallerini çok sevdim. :) Gaelen aynı zamanda Rain'in şehre beraber geldiği sırdaşının kardeşi. Karanlıklar Lordu ilk kitapta Rain'in Ellie'nin geçmişi araştırması için gönderdiği iki savaşçının gerçeği - Ellie'nin Baş Büyücü'nün kızı olduğunu - öğrenmesiyle beraber katledilmelerini okumuştuk ve Karanlıklar Lordu bu sahneye şahit oluyor. Hemen akabinde o yaralı haliyle, sırf kardeşini kurtarmak için dere tepe düz gidip şehre, Ellie'yi öldürmeye gidiyor.

Kızın etrafında onca adam varken bunu nasıl başaracak derken iş bu ki, Baş Büyücü kızın babasına öyle bir işkence yapıyor ki, adam kızdan duygularını gizleyemiyor. Aralarında kan bağı olduğundan bu durum söz konusu. Bu yüzden kızımız sanrı olarak tanımlayacağımız tuhaf nöbetler geçiyor. Kendini evinin yakındaki göle atıyor. Şans bu ki Karanlıklar Lordu orada öylece, halsizce yatmakta. Sudan kaldırıp karaya çektikten sonra daha Rain onu durduramadan Gaelen ne yapıyorsa yapıyor ve kıza dokunuyor. Tüm olaylar oradan sonra yeni bir anlam kazandırmaya başlıyor. Bu kitapta ihaneti yazar çok keskin hatlarıyla işlemiş. Annesinin ve Rain'in ihanetini sizde tüm canlılığıyla hissedebiliyorsunuz. Ne kadar aralarında ciddi bir bağlılık ve sevgi varsa da Ellie'nin bir Baş Büyücünün kızı olduğu söylentisi ikilinin aralarını açmasıyla bir sürü belalarda başlarına açıyor. Kitapta histeri krizleri geçirdiğim yerlerde yok değil. Hele bir yerde gülmek ile ağlamak arasında kaldım ki halim kareliktir. :D Ne denir ki? Yazar şaşırtmayı seviyor. Heyecanla okunan, okudukça karakterleri benimsediğiniz bir seri. Ben fazlasıyla benimsedim. :)

Dipnot: Sonunda evlendiler!

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Jan 15, 2011 Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone who loves romantic fantasy deluxe!

Recommended to Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) by: Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity

Shelves: could-not-put-it-down-books, read-more-than-once, fantasy

Reading for the second time...in a month AWESOME AWESOME BOOK and series! I thought the first book (Lord of the Fading Lands) was great, but this second one was even better. It put new meaning into the "could not put it down" category. If you love fantasy, magic, romance, action, intrigue and great writing then I highly recommend this book, and I am on to re-read King of Sword and Sky.

In the first book the Tairen Soul, Rain, king of the fey, literally dropped from the sky to claim Ellysetta as h...more Reading for the second time...in a month AWESOME AWESOME BOOK and series! I thought the first book (Lord of the Fading Lands) was great, but this second one was even better. It put new meaning into the "could not put it down" category. If you love fantasy, magic, romance, action, intrigue and great writing then I highly recommend this book, and I am on to re-read King of Sword and Sky.

In the first book the Tairen Soul, Rain, king of the fey, literally dropped from the sky to claim Ellysetta as his truemate. He has left the Fading Lands of the fey on a mission to find a way to save both the fey and the Tairen knowing that what he seeks lies in the city where he finds Ellysetta. As the mortal daughter of a woodcarver she has been fascinated with the fey all of her life, but now is thrown into a world she never dreamed of being a part of. Haunted from childhood by dreams and visions she has never understood, it is in this second book that we come to understand just what is hidden in her past and is a threat to her future.

This author has the ability to write in a way that introduces many characters in a complex world and yet somehow it is not difficult to understand their world. The characters are amazing from the fey warrior who allows a kitten named "Love" to ride around on his shoulder because she is afraid of magic to the incredible battle scenes that use magic and physical skill in a way that you simply see it all happening. The fey in this book are simply wonderful. There is a theme among these warriors of honor, loyalty, and love that makes them so real. As fighters, they are to put it mildly, bigger than life. I find it amazing that there are so many things going on in this story including political intrigue, terrible magic ability of the mage's who plot against Allysetta for reasons one must read the book to find out, the beautiful sensual love story (and this book is NOT YA), and yet it all flows as one great tale. Goodreads friend, Stacie, was right when she said that Rain and Ellysetta are equal to Jamie and Claire as the best of all romantic couples. I tried leaving this series when I finished it a few weeks ago and just had to pick up Lord of the Fading Lands and go back to this incredible world. This is a series that I will re-read many times. (less)

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Oct 24, 2009 Barbara M. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favorites

Ok so here's my review for the first book in the series ("Lord Of The Fading Lands"). My review for the second is below...
"Watch out Kenyon...Wilson's out writing you. For the life of me I have no idea why Wilson's second book didn't carry the title "USA Today or New York Times Bestseller" on it. Come on people BUY HER BOOKS! I suggest you start with this one and continue on from there. The story is extremely complicated and oh so many yummy characters are introduced. The Gods smile upon commone...more

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Feb 23, 2013 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE who loves Romance and fantasy!

Shelves: alpha-hero, bad-boy-heroes, cinderella, dragons-and-other-fantasy-creatures, fantasy, favorites, flawed-tortured-hero, heartbreaking-heroes-or-heroines, amazing-secondary-characters, jealous-heroes, paranormal-romance, paranormal, protective-heroes, psychic-abilities, romance, tormented-heroines, virgin-heroine, wizards-witches-and-warlocks, winter-src-2012, 2013, fae, soulmates-or-love-at-first-sight, royal-hero-or-heroine, save-the-world-plot, owned, have-in-nyc, shapeshifters

May 2010
This book was just as amazing as the first, if not more!

Elysetta starts to accept her powers, and the feelings she has for Rain, and the intrigue just gets more and more developed.. You can't help but fall more in love with Rain and Ellie, as well as all the other characters, who become so real throughout the book, with faults as well as qualities..
The "Dark Lord" Gaelen vel Serranis finally makes his appearance, and you can't help but be surprised at the result!

I cannot believe I had ne...more

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Mar 18, 2009 Askavi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

The action really picks up in this book, and the climax at the end was very cool (who doesn't love a good magical battle?). There are a lot of unanswered questions I am looking forward to having answered, as well as a lot of questions the characters have which I am looking forward to them having answered. I really hope certain captives find a way to either escape or are rescued... seriously I about started to cry from that situation! I actually DID tear up at the end, after the fight was finishe...more

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Apr 09, 2010 Yz the Whyz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: c-l-wilson, 2010-reads

I love the first book, so I was looking forward to reading the 2nd installment to this series, and I was not disappointed.

It picked up right after the 1st book ended, and we continued to witness the unfolding of Ellie and Rain's courtship. Plenty of intrigue, lots of danger, but still sweetly romantic. The overall plot progressed nicely, and we learned more about Ellie's past.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book, especially the 2nd half, when the action really picked up. Definitely eager to read the 3rd...more

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Feb 15, 2012 Melanie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fated-to-be-mated, fey-fae-valkyrie, fantasy, shifters-i-d-love-to-were, paranormal-romance, hey-look-what-i-can-do

I found this book a bit... tedious. I am liking the overall story arc, it's kinda cool, but I found that this book started off really slow and dragged in places. It's saving grace for me was that it did pick up near the end and actually got... entertaining.

I think my main problem with the 'Lady of Light and Shadows' stems from the rather blah ending of 'Lord of the Fading Lands'. 'Lady' picks up immediately where 'Lord' left off and it really felt like they should have been a much better edited...more

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Feb 28, 2012 Michele (Reading Lark/CanadianTwiMom) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Michele (Reading Lark/CanadianTwiMom) by: Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) Martin

Shelves: adult, own-it, ebook, fey-faeries, favourite-epic, reading-lark, epic-love, hot-romance, softcover, fictional-crush, fav-author

My review can also be found on Reading Lark After Dark: http://readinglarkafterdark.blogspot....

This tremendous sequel to Lord of the Fading Lands does not disappoint! This is not a "filler" book... it's the continuance of an EPIC love-story that is so full of substance, I was about to burst by the time I came to the end. WOW!

Lady of Light and Shadows literally picks up where book one left off... tortuous and unnerving nightmares continue to plague Ellie, as well, they all have to deal with the...more
My review can also be found on Reading Lark After Dark: http://readinglarkafterdark.blogspot....

This tremendous sequel to Lord of the Fading Lands does not disappoint! This is not a "filler" book... it's the continuance of an EPIC love-story that is so full of substance, I was about to burst by the time I came to the end. WOW!

Lady of Light and Shadows literally picks up where book one left off... tortuous and unnerving nightmares continue to plague Ellie, as well, they all have to deal with the repercussions of the events that took place at the dinner at the end of book one. Rain continues to try to sway the lords of Celieria from opening the borders to the Eld for trade purposes. Rain is convinced that the darkness emanating from that land is intensifying and that everyone will be in even greater danger, including Ellie and her family... but he's having a very difficult time convincing a good portion of the lords who would welcome the fortunes that trading with the Eld would bring.

As well, the preparations for Ellie's marriage to Rain continues at a very fast pace (as Rain wants to get Ellie out of Celieria as quickly as he can for her own safety, and his agreement with her father means they are to be married first). She has to learn how to become a Queen, although in Rain's eyes, she already is. Rain also continues his whirlwind courtship of the seemingly "plain-Jane" Ellysetta Baristani, although at this point, we are pretty sure that she is anything but plain and unremarkable. Rain's devotion and attention to Ellie is swoon-worthy...and that's an understatement. Their many moments together will literally leave you breathless... from just a touch to a kiss to much, MUCH more.

Evil (Vadim and Kolis) is manipulating almost everyone close to Ellie... and it all leads to a very climactic ending to Lady of Light and Shadows. And the evil in this book is pure, gritty evil.

Conversely, we also come to love even more, if that's possible, the fierce fey warriors committed to protecting Ellie and her family. We also get to meet the infamous Gaelen vel Serranis and he becomes integral to the continuing story as well.

Lady of Light and Shadows is, on reflection, mostly about Ellysetta's journey from being "just a woodcarver's daughter" to accepting her magical abilities and fulfilling the truemate bond with Rain. She matures elegantly throughout, working her way through her insecurities and unlocking all the magic that unknowingly has been locked inside for her protection. By the end of Lady of Light and Shadows... Ellie morphs into a very remarkable character that has left all the plainness of the old Ellie far behind. We also learn much more about Ellysetta's origins...some of which are quite surprising as we're lead to believe one thing yet it turns out to be something else (trying to be the least spoilery here).

I'm so excited to start the next book... part of me wants to consume this series without taking a break, while the other part of me wants to savour the journey and take it slowly. I can't say which side is winning out because I look forward to every moment where I can immerse myself back into the story... but I also don't want it to end.(less)

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Jul 22, 2011 Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of epic fantasy and true love

Shelves: adult

Reading this book the second time around made me want to write a review, but I couldn't figure out what to say.

Instead, I'll tell you what I loved rediscovering about this particular installment in the Tairen Soul series :

1. Strength of characters - I am amazed at Ellie's ability to balance her wants and insecurities with the need to protect those she loves the most. She could sit back and allow Rain and the warriors to continue to heal her emotional scars, but instead, she fights to care for th...more

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Jun 29, 2010 Aimee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: addictive-like-literary-heroine, absolute-faves, holy-hotness-hall-of-fame-hero, made-me-cry, made-me-laugh-out-loud, not-for-the-squeamish, paranormal-romance, violence-is-golden, fantasy

Well....I have to say, this is turning out to be one of the best series I've read in a long while. I'll even venture as far as calling it epic. A synopsis without spoilers is outside my abilities at the moment. So I'll just do a quick rundown of what I loved.

EVERYTHING!!!

The world Ms. Wilson built is flawless. You can see, smell , taste and feel what the characters experience. The characters are dynamic down to the lowliest secondary. I found myself wanting, HAVING to know more about all of the...more

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Feb 18, 2010 Gemma rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

I usually wait a day or two to review a book, just to get what I thought of it clear in my mind so that I can give a fair assessment of it. But I'm going to screw that and review this minutes after I've finished it, because all I can think right now is OMGTHATBOOKWASAMAZINGPLEASEIWANTMORE. :L

Honest to God, if anybody had doubts after finishing the first book, or is just thinking about reading this series, PLEASE DO SO NOW. :L
I have to say, the previous book, Lord of the Fading Lands, was a littl...more I usually wait a day or two to review a book, just to get what I thought of it clear in my mind so that I can give a fair assessment of it. But I'm going to screw that and review this minutes after I've finished it, because all I can think right now is OMGTHATBOOKWASAMAZINGPLEASEIWANTMORE. :L

Honest to God, if anybody had doubts after finishing the first book, or is just thinking about reading this series, PLEASE DO SO NOW. :L
I have to say, the previous book, Lord of the Fading Lands, was a little iffy for me. I mean, I adored the characters and the setting, but there were little things here & there that irritated me somewhat.
So I started on this book, unsure what the future held for Ellie and Rain, but needing to find out. And bloody hell, I'm happy I did!

So the first half started a little slow, & I was like, 'Hmm, I totally have this figured out. When all the stuff that I just know is going to happen happens, I'm gonna feel so smart.' Needless to say, I was totally wrong =L
The last half of this book is absolutely amazing. Seriously people, I cannot remember the last time a book had me that on tenterhooks, gasping and squealing and generally in a state of hyperactivity as this book just did. The action, the excitement, the magic... It was just fantastic! Sure, there wasn't anything really original I suppose, but this book improved so much on the last one. Just when I thought I had it all figured out - Ellie's heritage, the mages, the fey - it all got turned around and around so many times I had no idea what was actually going to be the truth. And when I found out, I was like, 'OMGNOWAAAAY!'

And just when I thought Ellie was going to get me all pissed off over the way she was unsure of Rain, Rain went and got me all worked up instead! When he turned away from Ellie, I was indignant - honestly, I probably would have broken my laptop if I had the cojones. :L
But what I love about this series is the feeling of hope in it; things can get really dark sometimes, and a lot of death occurs in this book, but I'm sure that the HEA will be bestowed in the end. It won't come easy, but it will come, and I can honestly say I can't wait to read the third book and finally see what the Fading Lands are like.
I probably would start ASAP, if not for the fact I've been up all night ooh-ing and aah-ing over this one :)

Ellie is a great heroine - there was hardly a time when I thought what she was doing was silly, or unrealistic, something that is rare nowadays for heroines. When she finally came into her own, even what I'd hoped for was surpassed. There are still questions to be answered, and I'll just have to content myself with conjuring up theories while I try and go to sleep before I read the third book.

I know I'm gushing, but I do not care one little bit, tbh. If you want to read something dramatic, magical, sexy & addictive, read this series. It may not be the most original or best series ever written, but for entertainment & sheer addiction it ranks pretty high on my list (and I have read a lot of books).
'Til next time, then - I have a feeling I'll be back here tomorrow, ranting anew about the amazing-ness of King of Sword and Sky. And frankly, I can't wait =)(less)

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Mar 22, 2009 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, tairen-soul-series

This story picks right up where Lord of the Fading Lands left off, and is just as good. Definitely need to read the first one to understand what's going on in this book. The action keeps moving as we're introduced to new characters and getting to know the main characters (good and evil) more in depth. I can't wait to find out how the story of Ellie's "real" parents plays out! This book also brings into play more of the politics that is going on between the different cultures, specifically the fe...more

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Feb 20, 2009 Amber rated it 5 of 5 stars

OH MY! Is all I can say, I swung by the book store to pick this book up as I was about to finish Lord of the Fading Lands. I started reading the book around 6pm and could not put it down. I guess I was a good thing that I could not sleep because I read the entire book. It was enthralling. Her use of words to create feelings is remarkable, at points my heart would clench in my chest as I was overcome with emotion for the main characters of the story. While I can normally get into books they do no...more

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Jul 28, 2011 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this second book much more than the first. There is a lot more plot development and action especially in the second half. Much more exciting. This second in the Tairen Soul series begins immediately where the first leaves off. Rain is still trying to convince the king and his council of the dangers the Eld present, as well as trying to further the bond with Ellie and teach her more about her magic. Ellie is confused and frightened by her recurring nightmares and although relying more o...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, read-in-2010

I enjoyed this second book much more than the first. There is a lot more plot development and action especially in the second half. Much more exciting.

This second in the Tairen Soul series begins immediately where the first leaves off. Rain is still trying to convince the king and his council of the dangers the Eld present, as well as trying to further the bond with Ellie and teach her more about her magic. Ellie is confused and frightened by her recurring nightmares and although relying more o...more

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May 18, 2013 C. I. Chesser rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 11, 2013 Ella rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I'm gonna run the risk of being hated on and go ahead and say it:
Why on earth is this rated so high????

I'm all for guilty pleasures (I was in search of some trashy romance and came across this), but some of the praises I've read thrown out there are nothing short of shocking for me. "Lord of the Rings"-esque? In what world???

The plot is rampant with cliches, from the average, plain-Jane finding love with what is described as the sexiest man-Tairen-thing ever, to everyone swearing loyalty to he...more I'm gonna run the risk of being hated on and go ahead and say it:
Why on earth is this rated so high????

I'm all for guilty pleasures (I was in search of some trashy romance and came across this), but some of the praises I've read thrown out there are nothing short of shocking for me. "Lord of the Rings"-esque? In what world???

The plot is rampant with cliches, from the average, plain-Jane finding love with what is described as the sexiest man-Tairen-thing ever, to everyone swearing loyalty to her all over the place. She has bizarre amounts of talent in magic, the capacity to forgive everyone, and manages to save the day multiple times. It wouldn't be so bad if the author wasn't hell-bent on describing Elly as plain as often as possible. I can't tell you much about what she looks like except for the fact that she is plain, almost homely, yet - lo and behold - Rain finds her an exceptional beauty. *Rolls eyes*. I'm all for finding beauty more than skin-deep, but let's be real: how often do you look at a couple and find a super hot dude with an ugly girl? (I'm basing my vision of her off of the words in the text, not the picture on the cover. I've no idea where that image came from). Maybe it's cynical, but I'm just putting out an observation.

Despite my complaints, the book redeems itself occasionally from being a typical read. The exorcisms were an interesting, albeit disturbing, twist, and I found I sympathized most with the heroine when she revisited her ordeals. The history of Rain was also fascinating, and I did admittedly find him fairly sexy. The in-your-face sexy was a little exhausting after a while, but he was still appealing.

The ONE THING I wish had been different: the author had this golden opportunity to create a new dimension to the couple with the apparent development that Ellysetta was born to the people of Rain's sworn enemy. It would've opened up new plotlines, created excitement and drama, and lifted the level to a whole new height of intellect in my opinion, but alas, twas not meant to be. OF COURSE she's extra-magical. OF COURSE she's freaking fantastic like never before.

I'm all for trashy romance, but I've read fanfiction of higher calibre than this... No joke.(less)

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Sep 04, 2012 Ana rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 31, 2012 Poetic rated it 2 of 5 stars

A Blah Novel

I picked this book up due to the fact that I want to expand my reading genre to the fantasy romance novels and when I saw this book It look it had an interesting plot enough that intrigued me to read it and I think that became my mistake , the first few chapters were alright and I also learned that this book is one of those series you MUST start from the first book or else you will be totally lost on what is happening in the novel .

It has a Cinderella story feel to it , I usually...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Shonna rated it 5 of 5 stars

As the truemate courtship of Rain and Elly commences along its unknown channel, the cluttering obstacles beneath their feet prompt countless stumbling and falters to finding the answers they lack for the future. Now betrothed under Celierian customs, Ellysetta steps away from the role as a woodcarver's daughter. Neither in love, yet drawn to one another, the truemates look for the trust they seek in the others heart, while finding the dwelling to belong in their mate's soul. Turning to her new l...more

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Feb 24, 2012 Mareena rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who likes paranormal romance

Recommended to Mareena by: Walmart

For my #14 challenge (Read a Series Part 2), I read Lady of Light and Shadows by C.L. Wilson. This is the second book of the Tairen Soul Series. Ellysetta Baristani had feared magic all her life. When she calls Rainier vel'En Daris - the last Tairen Soul and the Defender of the Fey - from the sky with a mere thought, she is terrified like many of the citizens of Celeria City. Calling the Fey king from the sky, means that Ellie's dreams of him which she'd had since childhood were true. And here h...more

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Apr 11, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Second in the Tairen Soul fantasy series, Ellie and Rain are still in the pre-wedding stages in Ellie's hometown. The title is amazingly appropriate as that is exactly what Ellysetta is---a lady bright in the light and overshadowed by darkness.

The Story
Rain is a fey and the Tairen Soul (shapeshifter, sorta) as well as the King of the Fading Lands who lost the love of his life 1,000 years ago during the Mage Wars; Ellysetta Baristani is the adopted daughter of a woodcarver in Celieria whom Rain h...more

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Feb 09, 2011 Chris rated it 5 of 5 stars

Elleysetta has called from the sky her soul's truemate, Fey King Rain Tairen Soul. In this second book of the series, Elleysetta, a simple woodcarver's daugher, struggles with inner demons and the fey claim that fate has destined her to be the queen and mate of the Great Fey King, while Rain fights to protect his queen and tries to uncover the source of the great evil he senses threatening the Fey, Tairen's and the mortals of Celeria. Faith, trust and magic will be put to the test.

This is the s...more

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Oct 14, 2010 Leontine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: crack

As I read the last chapters of Lady of light and shadows I closed the book and fell in silent awe for the imagination pouring out of C.L. Wilson’s mind. In this second installment of the series I further more tasted the vast set-up of the worlds, its rich depth of the characters and the feeling that as I turned the pages I will discover something new. The plot lures with mysterious intrigue and darkness but also love that reaches out between Rain and Elly and the secondary cast of characters lif...more As I read the last chapters of Lady of light and shadows I closed the book and fell in silent awe for the imagination pouring out of C.L. Wilson’s mind. In this second installment of the series I further more tasted the vast set-up of the worlds, its rich depth of the characters and the feeling that as I turned the pages I will discover something new. The plot lures with mysterious intrigue and darkness but also love that reaches out between Rain and Elly and the secondary cast of characters lifts this novel even to greater heights!

In Lady of light and shadows we meet Rain and Elly again, the courtship continues, the Celerian Lords still have many questions they want answered as the Mages reach out with their darkness and new characters introduce themselves with strong voices that need to be heard.

What a joy this novel has proven to be, I felt picked up by Rain and Elly and quickly found myself in their world again as the fragile moments of blossoming love shimmers between them it had an impact on me that swept me of my feet. If there is one thing that C.L. Wilson has a gift for it is to write with such emotion you can feel them vibrating from the pages and her imagination to describe a Fey race with their magic that I can see this in my mind’s eye. Besides the romance, the mysteries that unfold themselves more, there is an action in this novel that captured me breathless as I read the scenes. With also another love that holds me in its grip, two people, together yet apart. They speak of events in the past that has its rippling effect on the present as they remain in the dark. All aspects of this novel compels you to read page after page riding the waves of romance and action, wrapped in thrilling storylines.

C.L. Wilson takes her time to create the background and circumstances for Elly and Rain to shine as the strong characters they are, still the major secondary characters like the Fey quintet, Laurianna, Sol, Marissya, Dax and Gaelen vel Serranis each give their own magic to weave a tale that you can’t finish and not talk about it. With the Fey language that enhances the true feel of the world, I love the titles like Shei’tani and Shei’tan, the meaning of it and ads more feeling to certain thoughts or rituals. The ending stills the hunger for romance as you feel that new adventures beckon for Rain, Elly and all the inhabitants of the Celerian and Tairen world. There is still much to be told and C.L. Wilson made an impressive statement with her two-book-release Lord of the fading lands and Lady of light and shadows.

Sometimes a story demands your attention, sometimes a novel demands to be read immediately and in the end rewards you with a stunning tale. Lady of light and shadows is such a novel!
(less)

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Jun 02, 2011 Clare rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Clare by: Coffeentea

Shelves: fantasy, paranormal

I love, love LOVE this book! Unfortunately I had some misgivings when I picked up this series because of the cheesy covers but I'm beyond glad that I did. Some minor spoilers might be disclosed in the review.

The first part of the story had less action, more characterization. The reader is treated into the insight of Ellie and Rain's struggles - Rain wants to get married as quickly as possible and spirit Ellie back to the Fading Lands, Ellie is trying to deal with her magic that pops up at unexpe...more

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Nov 08, 2010 Mirany rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 0-didn-t-finish

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 23, 2012 Amy (BW) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From the very start of this book, I was still reeling from the Lord of the Fading Lands. I had rolled right into the Lady of Light and Shadows. I loved how C.L. Wilson's writing did not even skip a beat. LLS just picked up right where LFL left off. It was like I was still reading the same book. The simple fact that I read them within minutes of finishing the first one, made it all the more noticeable to me.

In this exquisite tale, Ellie and Rain continue their courtship according to her mortal c...more

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About C.L. Wilson

C.L. Wilsons unique blend of pulse-pounding action, sweeping epic fantasy, and passionate romance has made her books a favorite read for romance and fantasy readers alike. Praised for exceptional worldbuilding and lyric prose, her critically acclaimed novels have regularly appeared on bestseller lists including the USA Today, the New York Times, and Publishers Weekly.

C.Ls novels have won numerous...more

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Books by C.L. Wilson

Lord of the Fading Lands (Tairen Soul, #1)

Queen of Song and Souls (Tairen Soul, #4)

Crown of Crystal Flame (Tairen Soul, #5)

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Quotes from Lady of Light and Shadows

“Ellysetta was sitting at the secretary in Rain's suite, penning a note to her parents, when Bel burst through the doors. The other members of the quintet followed so swiftly that all five warriors nearly ended up in a heap on the floor. They were breathless and flushed, perspiration trickling down the sides of their faces.
Kieran bent over, hands on his knees, and dragged air into his lungs. "Well done,brothers. We beat the smug chervil.”
"You all look like you could use a drink." Cool and unwinded, Gaelen smiled at the new arrivals from the sofa near the window. "Water? Or perhaps something a little stronger to help you regain your strength?” — 4 people liked it

“Do you know how a pearl comes to be?"
"Oysters make them, from a bit of sand."
"Aiyah. From a bit of sand." He rolled the pearl between his fingers. "All pearls begin as something unpleasant that the oysters cannot expel from themselves, even though they may want to. So they embrace these things that will not leave them, shaping them and smoothing away the sharp edges, until over time, they make of these unwanted things great treasures.” — 1 person liked it

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Lady of Light and Shadows (Tairen Soul #2)

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