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King of Sword and Sky (Tairen Soul #3)

by C.L. Wilson (Goodreads Author), Judy York (Illustrator)

4.35 of 5 stars 4.35 · rating details · 2,543 ratings · 184 reviews

Only one enemy could destroy them.

Only one love could unite them.

Only together could they lead their people to victory.

Returning to the Fading Lands with his Celierian truemate, Rain discovers a dissension among the most powerful members of his own council. As the Eld plot their next deadly strike, Ellysetta struggles to master her powerful magic and discover how to sav...more

Paperback, 467 pages

Published October 2008 by Leisure Books (first published 2008)

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Lady of Light and Shadows by C.L. Wilson

Fantasy Romance

5th out of 138 books — 158 voters

Best Scifi/ Fantasy romances adventures with strong plot

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

Shelves: all-time-favorites

I know it's weird, but is it normal to be as depressed as I am that I won't get another shot of Wilson's finest before October??? Argh..You would think after reading all 3 books in this series back to back to back that I would be a little ready to move on...but I'm not! It's been a long time since I've been this hooked on a series. So here's my second question...

Is it better to have read and have to impatiently wait...or to have never read something so wonderful at all?

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Jan 19, 2011 Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone who wants the BEST of fantasy and romance

Recommended to Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms) by: Stacia

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

I read this series last month and could not move on. I am re-reading them all and just finished this one for the second time. This third installment of the Fading Lands does not disappoint. There is so much that happens in this book and so many discoveries to be made. I can not say enough about the writing in these books. Although the world of Rain and Ellysetta is complex, I did not have trouble understanding it nor did I have trouble picturing in my mind all the amazing sights and characters....more I read this series last month and could not move on. I am re-reading them all and just finished this one for the second time. This third installment of the Fading Lands does not disappoint. There is so much that happens in this book and so many discoveries to be made. I can not say enough about the writing in these books. Although the world of Rain and Ellysetta is complex, I did not have trouble understanding it nor did I have trouble picturing in my mind all the amazing sights and characters. You don't want to skim - let every wonderful word sink in. Not only are the two main characters beautifully brought to life, but there are more compelling side characters than I think I have ever encountered in a series.

Rain brings Ellysetta back to the Fading Lands in this book and they face numerous challenges: The Mages of Eld are planning another war, Ellie still doesn't understand her vast powers nor how she will help save the Tairen kitlings that are dying in their eggs. Worst of all the High Mage is trying to claim her soul and she carries his mark of darkness. The fey distrust Rain, their king, for bringing a Mage marked truemate into the lands. How will the Fey react when they see Gaelen, the former dahl'reisen Dark Lord returning home? Dahl'reisen are considered 'lost souls'...those who have strayed from the Fey path of honor due to killing so many in battle that when the weight of those souls becomes too much for them to bear they are expected to take the path of honor death rather than to become Dahl"reisen. Now Ellysetta has saved Gaelen's soul and he is again Fey, but to have brought the most notorious of all the Dahl"reisen into the Fading Lands is to many beyond belief. When Rain believes that Gaelen should help train the Fey in methods he has learned over a thousand years of battling the evil of the Mages, this causes a further rift.

The Tairen are counting on her to save their. The ferocious huge winged felines are the source of the Feys' magic, and are connected somehow to the life force of the Fading Lands. The kitlings are dying in the eggs and no one can figure out why. Only Ellysetta has the power to save them, but she has to figure out how to do it and whether or not she will dare to risk another Mage mark by using ancient forbidden magic that Gaelen has taught her. It is impossible to describe how wonderful the Tairen are and how they are described by this author.

If you like Fantasy stories with strong female characters (as well as compelling male ones), stories that bring the Fey out of legend, the creation of fascinating creatures like the Tairen, Good vs Evil on an epic scale, and a true love that endures no matter what, then you will love this series. I might add, the love scenes are beautiful, they sizzle, and they are like no other I have ever read! (less)

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Nov 21, 2008 Jeanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

It's really a shame that these books are classified as Romance, because I feel they would appeal to a much larger audience were they not. Cheryl Wilson has crafted a marvelous fantasy world complete with all the elements including a language for her Fey. Her characters are complex and her pacing is some of the best I've seen. Yes, there are romantic elements, but they are not gratuitous at all and add to the complexity of her story. I found myself many a night staying up to read far later than I...more

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Jan 02, 2011 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-series, tairen-soul, fantasy-romance

Absolutely beautiful! This book also has some epic battle scenes, and it's just the beginning.

The beginning was a bit slow, but the story got a lot better in the middle and end. We see some startling revelations. The love story of Rain and Ellysetta is moving along nicely. We learn more about what the High Mage is actually doing with the Well of Souls. All aspects of this epic story are progressing nicely!

Can't wait to read the next book!

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Mar 05, 2012 Michele (Reading Lark/CanadianTwiMom) rated it 5 of 5 stars

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

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

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

You know what I hate about completing this book?? I'm now past the half-way point in this series. Only two books left, and I'll be so sad when it's all over. *sniff*

King of Sword and Sky continues its rich story-telling, wonderful character development, and we finally get to meet the Tairen. What awesome creatures they are... and by awesome I mean, magnificent, enormous, highly intelligent and fierce...more My review can also be found on Reading Lark After Dark: http://readinglarkafterdark.blogspot....

You know what I hate about completing this book?? I'm now past the half-way point in this series. Only two books left, and I'll be so sad when it's all over. *sniff*

King of Sword and Sky continues its rich story-telling, wonderful character development, and we finally get to meet the Tairen. What awesome creatures they are... and by awesome I mean, magnificent, enormous, highly intelligent and fiercely protective of their pride. These huge winged big cats can be gentle as a kitten or ferocious as a hungry tiger. If I had any doubt that Ellysetta would not be welcomed by the Tairen... that would have been a foolish thought. I have to say that my favourite Tairen character, other than Rain, is Steli-Chakai. She quickly develops a strong bond with Ellysetta... akin to an adoptive mother-figure, which was so endearing. Steli also has a wonderful personality, as they can converse (telepathically) with other fey, and through that dialogue, her character really shines.

In King of Sword and Sky, Ellysetta matures by leaps and bounds... both in her womanhood and confidence, as well as in her magical powers and how to control and harness them. Her quest to control her magic doesn't often go very smoothly most of the time, but there are some accomplishments, too. But as we witnessed at the end of book two, her powers are vast and can be explosive so it is imperative she hones her magical skills so she can do what has been asked of her.

Ellysetta is supposed to save the Tairen, and thus, the fey, as was prophesied by the Eye of Truth in book one. She, of course, has her doubts about how she is to accomplish this... and all the while, some of the fey are very distrustful of Ellysetta's presence in The Fading Lands, because she is Mage-marked and extremely powerful. Similar to the battle Rain had on his hands with the Celierian Lords, Rain has to convince the council of fey that help govern The Fading Lands (the Massan) that Ellysetta is actually their saviour.

The other component of this story is the continuing bond developing between Rain and Ellysetta. Their love is simply breathtaking. Their relationship grows at a fast pace, but in many ways, not fast enough for Rain as the shei'tanitsa, truemate bond, has yet to be completed, which is essential or Rain (or any male fey to be truemated) would go mad. And for Ellysetta, once they are truemated, her soul cannot be claimed by anyone else, and most importantly, by the Mage. Their quest to complete their bond only strengthens with each intimate moment and coincidently strengthens Ellie's own inner-tairen. Ellysetta, being Rain's true equal, has to come to terms that she is capable of being his truemate. At times, it is frustrating for Rain because he sees that Ellysetta still has so many doubts about herself... and it is his *job* to pull what he knows lies within her facade, so that she can complete the bond. But in many more subtle ways, she already is (his equal)... she has incredible inner strength and tenacity that would rival Rain's physical strength.

However, we also soon realize, along with Rain, that it is necessary for him to *grow* too... as his demons, and maybe more importantly his own insecurities on his ability to lead the fey, are also obstacles for which have to be overcome before the bond can be completed. But in this installment, there is huge progression on both their parts... and being along for the ride is quite wonderful to witness.

I still love how the fey just relate to each other... it's not without their own problems and idiocies... but they are simply just... there are no words... they are very a unique "people", and you have to read this story to fully understand what I'm trying to say.

Evil turns it up a HUGE notch, however, and I will admit that some of the torture is very hard to get through. My heart breaks for all those who are held captive by Vadim Maur. He is the epitome of evil... and just when you think it can't get any worse... it unfortunately does. But it is necessary to evoke the right emotions in the reader... so in that light, I read through those terrible scenes without skimming.

Once again... the emotions being pulled out of me while I read through this series has me zinging in so many ways... it's an addiction to continue reading at every opportunity I can. The ending of this installment has some wonderful and triumphant moments, while also having some heart-breaking and heart-stopping scenes as well. Saying I could not put it down is an understatement!
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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

Wilson hits the mark once again with this the third installment in Wilson's Tairen Souls series! The characters are finally coming into their own and Elly is FINALLY learning to let go and trust her mate. Not enough to complete the bond, which is sorta frustrating, but she's getting there. And let me tell you, these two are generating some steam when they get together!

In KOS&S, Elly and Rain are on their way to The Fading Lands, the home of the Fey and where Rain is King. This book focuses m...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Lady of the Lake rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, pnr-magical-romance, shape-shifting

THIS WAS OUTSTANDING!!!!

The entire series was superb! Sometimes when there are sequels to a good book (of any genre) they have a tendency to deteriorate in quality as the stories continue....THIS DID THE OPPOSITE! The storyline got deeper it was just fabulous. Wilson did such a phenomenal job at creating the world in which this takes place. There was nothing left out, from the visuals to the characters to the spoken language that was developed for the Fae! (I find myself using some of the phras...more

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Sep 07, 2008 Lynda Warnock rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Amazing...incredible…outstanding…these words are not enough to describe the third installment of the Tairen Soul Series – King of Sword and Sky by C.L. Wilson. I read the first two books and have been anxiously awaiting the last two in the series. I was not disappointed one iota.

Ms. Wilson is a phenomenal world builder, so much so you can see every room, mountain, and road in your mind’s eye as you are immersed in the story of Rain and Ellysetta and the rest of the Fey. The first books were exce...more

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Sep 20, 2008 C.l. Wilson added it · (Review from the author)

Shelves: written-by-me

Only One Enemy Could Destroy Them.

“C. L. Wilson’s exquisitely written romantic fantasy debut will dazzle readers with its richly imaginative story” —Chicago Tribune on Lord of the Fading Lands

Only One Love Could Unite Them.

“Wilson jumps back into her tale without skipping a beat, expanding her world with finesse while boldly taking her story in entirely unexpected directions.” —Publishers Weekly on Lady of Light and Shadows

Only Together Could They Lead Their People To Victory…

The magical tai...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: adventure, alpha-hero, amazing-secondary-characters, cinderella, dragons-and-other-fantasy-creatures, fantasy, favorites, flawed-tortured-hero, heartbreaking-heroes-or-heroines, jealous-heroes, married-hero-heroine, paranormal-romance, paranormal, protective-heroes, romance, tormented-heroines, wizards-witches-and-warlocks, winter-src-2012, 2013, royal-hero-or-heroine, owned, have-in-nyc, fae, famous-hero-or-heroine, soulmates-or-love-at-first-sight, spitfire-heroines, shapeshifters

Like I said in my previous reviews of CL Wilson's two first Tairen Soul books... WOW!!! Once again, she has written a book that makes you feel, more than ever, the torment that Ellie and Rain suffer while trying to complete their Sheitanista bond... Ellie is terrified by what might lie inside her, and Rain is terrified for Ellie's safety.. I love Rain so much! He is the ultimate alpha hero who will to anything to protect his mate, even letting himself choose her over his "kingdom"...

I don't wan...more

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Jun 09, 2011 Marcela (BookaholicCat) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4 ½ Stars
I'm completely and utterly in love with this series

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Apr 03, 2009 Steven Peterson rated it 5 of 5 stars

I never would have believed that I'd be reading a fantasy and fantasy romance work like this. But, after having read the first two books in this series, I am hooked! And the third keeps me hooked.

The two key characters are Rainer vel'En Daris, the Fey King, and Elysetta Baristani, purportedly a woodcutter's daughter but, actually, much more than that. Indeed, her parents, with the intervention of the evil High Mage of Eld, Vadim Maur, have created a powerful woman, with magic of great depth. And...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Danielle rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: has-its-moments, series-begins-to-not-be-as-good

What I initially liked about this series was the unique take C.L. Wilson took on what would be a pretty typical fantasy/romance story. I enjoyed her well developed world and her take on the different species inhabiting it. I enjoyed how, while he would normally fall into my "over-used-stock-character" category, Rain had elements to him that made him stand out from the normal Romance Novel-esque hero: his venerability and the fact that he actually experiences character growth in a realistic (well...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Merissa Sheppard rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: favorites

In part one: Lord of the Fading Lands, a woodcarver's daughter called Rain Tairen Soul from the sky and a courtship begun.

In part two: Lady Of Light And Shadow, the courtship continues as a fierce battle knocks on Celierian doors and secrets reveal themselves.

Now in part three, King Of Sword And Sky, Rain takes his Shei'tani to his homeland where new challenges lie for Ellysetta. Enter a new world where Fey gather to meet the Shei'tani of a Tairen Soul, a Tairen pride that roars their welcome an...more

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Jun 11, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Third in the romantic fantasy series, Tairen Soul.

The Story
Ellysetta and Rain are almost to the Fading Lands, her father and twin sisters accompanying them. Her family will stay in Garreval on the edge of the Mists that protect the Fading Lands while Ellie and Rain will continue through the Mists on to Chakai and other cities that are still alive.

Ellie's primary purpose is to find a way to save the few remaining kitlings of the tairen. Some evil is killing the kits one by one while they are stil...more

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Oct 14, 2010 Leontine rated it 4 of 5 stars

In part one: Lord of the Fading Lands, a woodcarver’s daughter called Rain Tairen Soul from the sky and a courtship begun.

In part two: Lady Of Light And Shadow, the courtship continues as a fierce battle knocks on Celierian doors and secrets reveal themselves.

Now in part three, King Of Sword And Sky, Rain takes his Shei’tani to his homeland where new challenges lie for Ellysetta. Enter a new world where Fey gather to meet the Shei’tani of a Tairen Soul, a Tairen pride that roars their welcome an...more In part one: Lord of the Fading Lands, a woodcarver’s daughter called Rain Tairen Soul from the sky and a courtship begun.

In part two: Lady Of Light And Shadow, the courtship continues as a fierce battle knocks on Celierian doors and secrets reveal themselves.

Now in part three, King Of Sword And Sky, Rain takes his Shei’tani to his homeland where new challenges lie for Ellysetta. Enter a new world where Fey gather to meet the Shei’tani of a Tairen Soul, a Tairen pride that roars their welcome and the battle that becomes more violent and more grim with each passing day.

Like a bard of old times C.L. Wilson has once again raised her voice to tell another story in her Tairen Soul series and one thing’s for sure, many will gather to hear it! As I started to read the first page of KING OF SWORD AND SKY I was walking back into the vibrant world of the Fading Lands and met the characters that I came to treasure in Lord Of The Fading Lands and Lady Of Light And Shadow.

It didn’t take much for me to be completely absorbed in this tale as it takes off right where Lady Of Light And Shadow had left me. On a fivefold weave and on Tairen back I was led deeper into a world that took my breath away. The almost lyric prose of C.L. Wilson combined with a highly imaginative writing skill made me wander in a deserted Elven town, visit the Fey’ Bahren and was in awe of the Hall of Scrolls. Though the author takes time to make the reader see all the splendor of her world it is the plot and a plethora of memorable characters that never lets your attention falter and only makes you wish for more. Four hundred and sixty-seven pages and they go by in the blink of an eye.

Of course Rain vel ’En Daris and Ellysetta Baristani are the main couple and their true mate bond that needs to gain in strength. Doubts and concerns are their ever present companions but they also get to feel beauty, share each other’s joy and wonder. Their bond and feelings just echoed in my heart as I read the pages, hoping for all the good things but knowing a bond is not just forged in good times. It is in the troubled times that the trials will test the bond’s strength. It also makes the love shine stronger and the magic of the true bond brighter. I don’t know if I can capture the words to describe this soaring romance that makes my heart response with all my emotions. There are moments that gave me goose bumps from what I “saw” in my mind’s eye, filled my eyes with tears and made my heart leap in joy. The author has a gift to evoke it all with the reader and she will make you care for each Fey and Tairen.

The Fey warriors are a sight to behold and the Tairen pride is impressive in their loyalty and playfulness. Belliard, Gaelen, Kiel and Kieran are all present but I also got to meet new Fey and Tajik vel Sibboreh is one that will demand your attention with his gruff but loyal attitude. The diversity in their natures and magic is what made me want to get to know all of them and makes me understand Elly all the more in her decisions. But if there is one character that had me from the first moment I met her it is Steli. She is Tairen and considers herself to be the first blade, the fiercest defender of the pride. She is loyal, knows no shame and will bleed for you in protection. Her very nature just brings a bright smile to my face and this tale became that much richer with her in it!

KING OF SWORD AND SKY enters the next stage of the story and it will affect many characters, will become more dire and sacrifices must be made! The good versus evil element is superbly executed by C.L. Wilson and drives me to keep turning the pages, no matter what hour, what needs to be done or who’s calling. With every book in her Tairen Soul series she delivers a tale of otherworldly proportions and is a symphony of exquisite writing. It combines a rich and dazzling cast of characters, who are led by a dynamic pair that scorches the pages with their profound love and is framed by a plot that keeps you firmly set is this world. Submerged in this tale, in this world, the sum of its parts leads to awe inspiring romance, a page devouring battle and the image of Fey warriors that shout: ‘Mei’felani. Bei’santi. Nehtah, bas desrali. Live well, love deep. Tomorrow, we die.’ burned in the mind’s eye!

I cannot praise this series high enough for it is the perfect balance of fantasy and romance! In the end C.L. Wilson masterfully leads the reader to yet another action driven ending that makes you feel sad to leave the Fading Lands and count the day’s until Queen Of Song And Soul is released.

Romantic Fantasy has never been so exhilarating to read…or so addictictive!
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Feb 20, 2010 Gemma rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Every time I try to write a short review for this series, I end up going off on a tangent and garbling on about everything I love about it; the characters, the plot, the complexity, the writing... Gushing psychobabble, basically.
So I'm just going to say that if you hold any doubts over reading this series, please erase them and buy a copy. I was kind of surprised to realise not many people have read these; in my opinion they are much better than other books by the likes of J.R. Ward, Kelley Arms...more Every time I try to write a short review for this series, I end up going off on a tangent and garbling on about everything I love about it; the characters, the plot, the complexity, the writing... Gushing psychobabble, basically.
So I'm just going to say that if you hold any doubts over reading this series, please erase them and buy a copy. I was kind of surprised to realise not many people have read these; in my opinion they are much better than other books by the likes of J.R. Ward, Kelley Armstrong and many others. This series began a little shakily, but it soon captured my imagination; so much so that I've been up for what feels like 4 days straight during my school holidays reading them back-to-back, just to satisfy my need for info! What began as a book to take my mind off another series led into something I've been thinking about for ages and can't wait to read more of. I adore fantasy, but I love romance too, and C.L. Wilson spins both brilliantly to create a captivating series that has one of the dreamiest setting I've ever come across. The beauty of the setting is balanced out by the darkness of the plot - this thing has evil mages, gorgeous fey, elves, legends, beasts, magic and basically everything that a fantasy lover wants in a book.
You care about the characters, even the villains (most of them, anyways), and I found myself shouting at my book and gasping in horror/delight/shock too many times to count. It isn't perfect, but unlike many others this series just seems to improve as it goes along. I actually wanted the action to stop sometimes just so the characters could chill a little like they did in the beginning; alas, as with all series once they get into their strides, the action can only really heat up, but I live in hope.
My attempt at a short review may have failed (again), but I'd urge anyone who loves fantasy/romance/historical/mystery/magical or just good books to pick up this series now - you'll become as addicted and in love with them as I am. (: (less)

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Sep 14, 2009 Mari rated it 4 of 5 stars

So everyone on the page knows that we have the good noble Fey fighting the bad evil Mages. The Fey King, Rain Eras has discovered Ellie, his true mate(the Fey are blessed with the impossible- a guaranteed forever good loving relationship) among the regular humans of the neighboring kingdom of Ciliria. He has claimed her and now they are working to complete their bond, destroy the Eld(mages), save the Fey and the big, flying cats which are their kin.
I would have given the book even better points...more So everyone on the page knows that we have the good noble Fey fighting the bad evil Mages. The Fey King, Rain Eras has discovered Ellie, his true mate(the Fey are blessed with the impossible- a guaranteed forever good loving relationship) among the regular humans of the neighboring kingdom of Ciliria. He has claimed her and now they are working to complete their bond, destroy the Eld(mages), save the Fey and the big, flying cats which are their kin.
I would have given the book even better points, except for the black and white morality is hard to swallow for me. First of all, the Eld(thats Magepeople) are humans. The Fey are a tribe of near immortals. So, Im immediately sort of willing to give the Eld the benefit of the doubt. Second, Rain is not a thinker, so his hate of the Eld isn't moving me. Also, Rain is a mass murderer and that hurts his credibility. I don't feel inclined to see all mages, much less all Eld as evil. Even Vadim Maur, the High Mage isn't exactly easy to hate. Sure, he is the evil genius, and he uses all the races in experiments. And he does torture people. But I can sort of see the Fey and their love-bonds and all their "Im a warrior and noble and I die for love" B. S. driving anyone to that extreme. If I was a mage Id be telling them to shove their true-mates up their pompous behinds too. From there its just a short step to actually shoving them there yourself, and using a hot poker to help you. If you think thats gross, don't read the book. It gets worse.
Other then that the book is a nice read. And I think it is starting to gain a bit of self humor. Even the Fey are starting to take themselves a little less seriously with the introduction of Gaelen vel Serranis who weilds the magic of common sense. If only he was Ellies true mate instead of Rain..... but then Ill bet Ellie thinks that too. Im pretty sure she goes around grumbling " Yeah, bitch. Your name is Rain because you rain all over my good time by constantly nagging." Thats Ok. There are plenty of good characters even if the main male lead isn't one of them. (less)

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May 07, 2009 Katie(babs) rated it 4 of 5 stars

C.L. has a lot to live up to with this third book and the continuing tale of Ellysetta Baristani and her soul mate and husband Rainer vel’En Daris who must save the Tairens from extinction. Ellysetta is the key to the Tairen’s salvation and if she fails, both the Fey and Tairen will fall victim to their enemy, the Mages of Eld. King of Sword and Sky begins where Lady of Light and Shadow has left off. Rain is taking Ellie to his home, the Fading Lands, along with her father, Sol, and her younger...more C.L. has a lot to live up to with this third book and the continuing tale of Ellysetta Baristani and her soul mate and husband Rainer vel’En Daris who must save the Tairens from extinction. Ellysetta is the key to the Tairen’s salvation and if she fails, both the Fey and Tairen will fall victim to their enemy, the Mages of Eld. King of Sword and Sky begins where Lady of Light and Shadow has left off. Rain is taking Ellie to his home, the Fading Lands, along with her father, Sol, and her younger twin sisters, Lillis and Lorelle. Ellie’s family will not be traveling on to the Fading Lands, but will be protected and guarded by the trusted Fey warriors who follow Rain. Ellie is not just a simple woodcarver’s daughter who has fallen for a mystical man, but a very powerful being who is also Fey and has mage powers.

The reason Ellie also has the marks of the Mage is due to Vadim Maur, the High Mage of Eld. He rules over all the Mages and is so, so evil. He has made Ellie’s Fey parents, Shan and Elfeya, his prisoner for five hundred years and has used horrible tortures on both. Vadim wants Ellie because he was able to give their daughter some very dark mage powers. She is his ultimate perfection, a possible tool to destroy those against him, and a way for him to rule the world. Ellie was his first experiment and since then he has gone on to make more just like her. And Ellie just may be the most powerful of all. Vadim is able to kill the unborn baby Tairens by taking their souls and life forces, and using them to make future powerful Mages. The Tairens are totally clueless to what Vadim is capable of and because of that he is winning. All hope seems lost, that is until Ellie and Rain arrive.

Ellie and Rain have a lot of work cut out for them because the Fey senses that Ellie has dark magic within her. They know she has these mage powers and they feel she is an abomination, that Rain has been tricked into believing that Ellie is his soul mate. The Fey Rain thought would welcome his new bride, turn against Ellie, and soon Rain will have more problems that just the Eld Mages who are planning an attack on the Fey again, after a thousand years. Rain and Ellie are basically on their own with only a select few by their side to help them. Ellie will try to find out why the unborn Tairen are dying and save them. Rain will begin to ready his troops for battle because the Mages are on their way to destroy both the Fey and Tairen for good.

In all honesty, my review does not do King of Sword and Sky justice. It is so easy to say, “You must read this book!". As for the reasons why, that is a bit more difficult. C.L. has written another complex story, as in, complex being the key word here. And, let me tell you, this is one book that you cannot speed read through or lose your concentration with. Each page should be savored as you read, every character and their actions should be paid close attention to, because there is a slow build up to the final battle between two powerful enemies. I am not even sure if Rain and Ellie will survive because each day brings them, their friends, and loved ones closer to possible death. This is not a happy go lucky read, but a very dark, dark book filled with death, murder and torture, both physical and spiritual. And the culprit? That nasty piece of work, Vadim.

Oh how I hate Vadim! Let me count the ways! I wanted him to die a slow painful death with disembowelment and any other painful torture I can think of. What he inflects on Ellie’s parents and even Ellie herself is so horrible. I have read many villains in my lifetime, but Vadim takes the cake. He is the total opposite of everything that is good inside of Ellie and Rain and I cannot wait for him to get his just desserts. If you are one who enjoys having such a visceral response over a character in a book, Vadim just may be the one.

Where as Lord of the Fading Lands and Lady of Light and Shadows was a start of a journey and more of a romance with fantasy elements thrown in, King of Sword and Sky is the opposite. The fantasy and magic is more upfront and Rain and Ellie are now a team who understand each other. They are still very much in love and there are some nice scenes of love making between them, but really, their romance is a secondary one to everything else that is going on.

I had mentioned before that C.L. Wilson’s Tarien Soul series just may be the closest one I can think of in comparison to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books. And, King of Sword and Sky is no exception. I found myself unable to move away from reading, wanting to get to the end to see how things will continue into the fourth and final book, Queen of Song and Souls, set to be released in June 2009. This is one book that everyone must read and if you haven’t read the first two in this series, you are so very much missing out. The world that C.L. Wilson has created does not just make for good reading but brings to light an incredible vision that doesn’t happen all too often. Take my word for it, the Tairen Soul books are cherished reads that should be passed down to each generation of readers. (less)

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Feb 18, 2009 Leslie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Tairen's breath of fire reigns,
She of red hair feeds the flame.
She soothes the soul cast in chains
Because of love she holds no blame.

While he embraces her love so pure
And guides her to her waiting fate.
With magic and sword they will secure
This land of legend and truemates.

The third book in the Tairen Soul series is nothing short of wonderful. After reading Lord of the Fading Lands and Lady of Light and Shadows it was obvious that C. L. Wilson wasn't just a one hit wonder. She has what it takes...more

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Jul 26, 2011 Carina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, all-time-fav-books

In a 'small' recap, here is what happens in this book:

***********MIGHT BE SPOILERISH************

(view spoiler)...more

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Nov 29, 2010 Yodamom rated it 5 of 5 stars

Takes off like a rocket, right were Lady of Light and Shadows leaves off, and it never slows down ! Rain and Ellysetta, need to get her family settled and safe. They need to travel to the fading mists to try to save the Fay and Tarins, a war is coming.
The Eld is even more evil and depraved than previously written, they are many and they are powerful. They are on is killing innocent souls, darkening the future for all. New pathways have been found to reach the souls they want, unknown to the Fay...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Shonna rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Tairen Soul's third installment, "King of Sword and Sky" proceeds on without skipping a beat. This taut constructed fantasy places an intrepid labyrinthine world in front of our eyes so full of wonder it is hard to put it into words. A very involved epic exploding with history, future, love, evil, surviving, sacrificing, and characters so personally detailed they come to life not only in your mind but your heart. Every word that C.L. Wilson writes advances a tangled and perplexing plot while...more

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May 06, 2009 E. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Third in the series that began with Lord of the Fading Lands and continued with Lady of Light and Shadows. Ellysetta continues to struggle to attain mastery over her powers while deepening her relationship to Rainier, the leader of the Fey and the Tairen Soul chosen by the pride of Tairen. The Fey are conflicted by their desire to acclaim one who has healed the former outcasts of their society (the dahl'reisen) and has been adopted by the Tairen whom she has been fated to save from extinction ye...more

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Jan 22, 2013 Gina Briganti rated it 3 of 5 stars

"King of Sword and Sky" picks up right where "Lady of Light and Shadows" left off, which is one of the qualities I find endearing about C.L. Wilson's Tairen Soul series.

I recommend reading this series in order and completely. The author has created a wonderful world of magic and mortals living side-by-side. That's something I would personally like to see on our planet!

For readers of the series, I would like to share what I liked most about this book without spoiling it for those who haven't. Ste...more

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Jan 29, 2011 Seeker ~ Elarinya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, friendship, romance, self-discovery, top-shelf, touching

After the Lady of Light and Shadows, I wasn't sure what could top that one. I won't say that the King of Sword and Sky was better than the last two books, because in truth, I'm truly torn right now. But without a doubt, this book was breathlessly amazing. Near the last hundred pages, I could barely pry the book from my fingers. C.L. Wilson continues to bring to life a world created so beautifully and flushed out so fully that in those brief interludes that I bring myself back to reality I'm alwa...more After the Lady of Light and Shadows, I wasn't sure what could top that one. I won't say that the King of Sword and Sky was better than the last two books, because in truth, I'm truly torn right now. But without a doubt, this book was breathlessly amazing. Near the last hundred pages, I could barely pry the book from my fingers. C.L. Wilson continues to bring to life a world created so beautifully and flushed out so fully that in those brief interludes that I bring myself back to reality I'm always amazed that there isn't a larger than life Fey standing before me or the sparkling towers of Dharsa gleaming in the distance.

The lyrical prose C.L. Wilson uses to narrate the story is smooth, fluent and utterly engaging. The way she shapes the words and spins the weave -yes I had to use that word -to create the setting, the plot or the dialogue makes it mesmerizing and entrancing. In this book, she further flushes out her characters -even the secondary ones-and adds life and personality to make them three dimensional and heart wrenchingly real.

I continue to love and admire the Fey more than any other race I have ever read about before. The sense of loyalty and honor that binds them together is so deep and true, its hard not to love them. The King of Sword and Sky is darker and full of more complicated twists than the previous too books. There is thicker intrigue and more layered shadows as Rain and Ellysetta brace for war and find ways to handle the Massan.

Rain and Ellysetta's relationship continues to deepen as it turns from infatuation to a genuine love born of sturdy determination and faith in one another. All my initially dubious beliefs about the pace and intensity of their relationship at such an early stage has fled. As they clearly demonstrated throughout the course of these three novels, their love is rooted in a faith so strong, no force in heaven or hell can shake or break it.

The ending was shatteringly poignant as Rain finally claims to be what the rest of the Fey has always seen him as. Rain sheds his old, doubtful self and becomes the Fey he was always meant to be. (less)

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Dec 14, 2010 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

In this book we get a bunch more plot and build up for the end and less of the romance and naughty bits. I am not saying that is a bad thing, this book has a wonderful plot so i am intrigued to see where it goes, this one was also a re-read in preparation for the next two (and final) books. This book was vastly more life and death than the first two, I was happy with that fact. Also the drama in this book is exponential, I was on the edge of my seat for almost the entire book. There are twists a...more

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Jan 17, 2009 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, wizards-other-magical-creatures

I believe each book of this series has been more entertaining than the last and this one was no exception. It continues the story of Rain Tairen Soul, Defender of the Fey, and his true mate Elysetta Baristani. She has discovered that she is Fey, but she has also been claimed by the Dark Mage and bears two of his marks. When Rain brings her to the Faering lands for the first time, it touches off an internal war between the Fey who feel bound by their traditions and welcome no change and those who...more

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Mar 24, 2011 Amy A rated it 5 of 5 stars

So far this is probably my favorite of the series. I think it was because Ellie and Rain's relationship was finally established enough for there to be more to the story besides them working out their relationship. Don't get me wrong, their bond is still not complete, but they still felt more solid. In the second book when he found out about her marks and left, that was their true test, and they made it through that, after that I feel there's really not much more that could split them apart.

Whil...more So far this is probably my favorite of the series. I think it was because Ellie and Rain's relationship was finally established enough for there to be more to the story besides them working out their relationship. Don't get me wrong, their bond is still not complete, but they still felt more solid. In the second book when he found out about her marks and left, that was their true test, and they made it through that, after that I feel there's really not much more that could split them apart.

While reading other reviews about the book / series in general and one thing that I read was how C.L. Wilson doesn't do any catch-up from one book to the next. It's like reading one long story. I actually like this. I sometimes find myself becoming bored with re-reading information in a series over and over again just to recap for people who've already read the series or to pull in people who are just starting the series but for some reason not starting at the beginning. This series of books by C.L. Wilson definitely demands that you read the whole thing from beginning. Really each novel flows right into the next one like the whole series is just one long story. I don't think I've read another series that has done this before, but it's surprisingly a nice way to write the series.

Anyway, back to this particular story in the series. I liked that we finally got away from Celeria where we had spent the last 2 novels and we get to go to the Fading Lands and meet other Fey and the Tairen. In the last novel I particularly liked the addition of Gaelen to the character list, and in this novel i liked Steili (sp?) the Tairen. I especially liked her motherly protectiveness of Ellie. I can say that in this book I liked the Tairen more than the Fey. They were much more accpeting of Ellie whereas the Fey clearly were waiting for her mess up to have an excuse to banish her from the Fading Lands. The Fey just seemed, not really corrupt, but power hungry maybe. By the end, however, it seems like the power hungry Fey will not be getting what they want.

I was glad that the trouble with the Tairen kitlings was solved and wasn't something that took to the end of the series to find a solution. And I liked that Ellie was able to save them and not have her magic go terribly wrong at that moment. I think that she's been through so much with the Fey thinking she's evil and having the Mage marks. I know that she's performed "miracles" before, but a part of me was just waiting for something to go wrong because we've all seen that her magic has been spotty at times. But I'm glad this is not the case.

Something I really look forward to hopefully happening before the end is Ellie saving her parents and finally getting to meet them.

I thought that the battle scenes towards the end were written very well. It was difficult to see characters that we've grown to love get put in that situation and for some of them we won't discover their fate until the next book.

I look forward to continuing the series. And even though each story flows right into the next they don't end on cliffhangers which is a good thing. As stated above there are threads that are left open to find out what happens in the next book, but it truly ends it seems more on a path. Rain is on the path to finish the war that the Eld started.(less)

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Sep 29, 2011 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, paranormal-romance

Such a great continuation to the series! Rain and Elysetta enter the Fading Lands to meet Rain's kin and attempt to save the dying Tairen. Wilson really has a talent for writing such beautiful prose, without seeming trite and sappy. The lands of the Fey come alive so easily and seem so perfectly unspoiled. By contrast, the world of Eld is the darkest pit of Hell. It would all be kind of mind-numbing and boring if this were a simple tale of good vs evil, as is often the rule in high fantasy, but...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)

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

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

Crown of Crystal Flame (Tairen Soul, #5)

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Quotes from King of Sword and Sky

“Live well.
Love deep.
Tomorrow, we die.” — 13 people liked it

“That was the strength of Ellysetta's weave. Bright, unyielding,indefatigable love. Love that did not know surrender. Love that did not understand limitations or even basic self-preservation. Love that would batter itself to death before giving in to defeat.” — 9 people liked it

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King of Sword and Sky (Tairen Soul #3)

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