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Westria #1 & 2
The Mistress of the Jewels
She Would be Queen ... but she refused to be a sorceress
The Master of the Junipers looked into the innocent face of the future Queen and spoke softly.
"The mind rules all. Were it not for our belief, this world of forms would not exist at all. You must know this if you are to wield the Jewels."
"I won't ... I must not wield them ..." she replied, thinking with a shiver of her guarded secret, the terrifying intimations of inner power that had tormented her as a child. "Such things should not be meddled with. You cannot understand-- there are dark things in me that would be too powerful ..."
"No!" The Master's eyes were bright. "Don't you understand, The power that you fear is not darkness, but light ..."
Omnibus edition containing "Lady of Light" and "Lady of Darkness"
The Master of the Junipers looked into the innocent face of the future Queen and spoke softly.
"The mind rules all. Were it not for our belief, this world of forms would not exist at all. You must know this if you are to wield the Jewels."
"I won't ... I must not wield them ..." she replied, thinking with a shiver of her guarded secret, the terrifying intimations of inner power that had tormented her as a child. "Such things should not be meddled with. You cannot understand-- there are dark things in me that would be too powerful ..."
"No!" The Master's eyes were bright. "Don't you understand, The power that you fear is not darkness, but light ..."
Omnibus edition containing "Lady of Light" and "Lady of Darkness"
503 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 15, 1982
About the author
Diana L. Paxson
171 books416 followersDiana L. Paxson (born 1943) is a novelist and author of nonfiction, primarily in the fields of Paganism and Heathenism. Her published works include fantasy and historical fiction novels, as well as numerous short stories. More recently she has also published nonfiction books about Pagan and Heathen religions and practices.
In addition to her multiple novels and collaborations, she has written over seventy short stories. Her best-known works are the Westria novels, and the later books in the Avalon series, which she first co-wrote with Marion Zimmer Bradley, then took over sole authorship of after Bradley's death.
Paxson was nominated for the Mythopoeic Fantasy Awards twice, in 1989 for the "White Raven" and in 1983 for "Lady of Light".
Paxson's non-fiction books include Taking Up the Runes, Essential Asatru, and Trance-Portation. She writes a regular column for the women's spirituality magazine, Sagewoman.
Paxson has been active in the leadership of a number of organizations. She hosted the first activities of the Society for Creative Anachronism, and was subsequently among that group's founding Directors and Corporate Officers when it incorporated[1]. She was the western regional director of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, and is a frequent panelist at science fiction conventions, especially Baycon, where she was the 2007 Fantasy Guest of Honor.
A leader in the Neopagan and Heathen revivals, Paxson is the founder of the The Fellowship of the Spiral Path and has served as First Officer of the Covenant of the Goddess. She has been Steerswoman of the Heathen group, The Troth, a member of its Board of Directors, and currently edits its journal, Idunna. She is a pioneer in the revival of Oracular Seidh, which she has taught and performed at many Neopagan and heathen festivals and retreats.
She composes and plays music for the harp. She currently lives at her home, Greyhaven, in Berkeley, California.
More can be found on her blog: http://dpaxson.livejournal.com
In addition to her multiple novels and collaborations, she has written over seventy short stories. Her best-known works are the Westria novels, and the later books in the Avalon series, which she first co-wrote with Marion Zimmer Bradley, then took over sole authorship of after Bradley's death.
Paxson was nominated for the Mythopoeic Fantasy Awards twice, in 1989 for the "White Raven" and in 1983 for "Lady of Light".
Paxson's non-fiction books include Taking Up the Runes, Essential Asatru, and Trance-Portation. She writes a regular column for the women's spirituality magazine, Sagewoman.
Paxson has been active in the leadership of a number of organizations. She hosted the first activities of the Society for Creative Anachronism, and was subsequently among that group's founding Directors and Corporate Officers when it incorporated[1]. She was the western regional director of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, and is a frequent panelist at science fiction conventions, especially Baycon, where she was the 2007 Fantasy Guest of Honor.
A leader in the Neopagan and Heathen revivals, Paxson is the founder of the The Fellowship of the Spiral Path and has served as First Officer of the Covenant of the Goddess. She has been Steerswoman of the Heathen group, The Troth, a member of its Board of Directors, and currently edits its journal, Idunna. She is a pioneer in the revival of Oracular Seidh, which she has taught and performed at many Neopagan and heathen festivals and retreats.
She composes and plays music for the harp. She currently lives at her home, Greyhaven, in Berkeley, California.
More can be found on her blog: http://dpaxson.livejournal.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 14, 2022
This edition is an omnibus containing two novels that, in my opinion, are very different in terms of quality. "Lady of Light" and "Lady of Darkness".
Reviewed Lady of Light already, on its own page. Lady of Darkness will be posted to that novel's page. If anyone happens to be curious about what some random person on the internet thinks about a book that isn't in physical print anymore, you should find it there once I get the second review finished, at least.
Anyways, it has really fascinating ideas. It's different from so many other fantasy novels of the 80s. There are serious flaws, especially in characterization. If you're patient, the book rewards your imagination. I enjoyed it. If you like 80s fantasy, subtle magic systems, or pulpy writing, I'd recommend it.
Reviewed Lady of Light already, on its own page. Lady of Darkness will be posted to that novel's page. If anyone happens to be curious about what some random person on the internet thinks about a book that isn't in physical print anymore, you should find it there once I get the second review finished, at least.
Anyways, it has really fascinating ideas. It's different from so many other fantasy novels of the 80s. There are serious flaws, especially in characterization. If you're patient, the book rewards your imagination. I enjoyed it. If you like 80s fantasy, subtle magic systems, or pulpy writing, I'd recommend it.
June 23, 2023
I'm a fan of the Emberverse and that led me to this book.
I am really surprised I didn't read it when it came out in 1982.
I slogged through most of the first of the two books.
I enjoyed the "renaissance fair" feel of what I read, but I just couldn't finish it.
Yes, this is a DNF.
The characters didn't appeal and I couldn't bond with them.
Full disclosure: I wanted another Mike Havel or Juniper Mackenzie.
I am really surprised I didn't read it when it came out in 1982.
I slogged through most of the first of the two books.
I enjoyed the "renaissance fair" feel of what I read, but I just couldn't finish it.
Yes, this is a DNF.
The characters didn't appeal and I couldn't bond with them.
Full disclosure: I wanted another Mike Havel or Juniper Mackenzie.
May 21, 2024
I have enjoyed other books by Diana but this was a disappointment. The first book was terribly slow and the second was marginally better. I had wanted to read this series for a long time but couldn't find all of the volumes. Well, I have them now and hope the later books redeem the first two.
September 2, 2018
Review: Lady of Light - Chronicles of Westria No 1
As can be expected from a first book of a series, Lady of Light sets the scene and introduces the reader to the main protagonists of Paxson's Westria Series. The plot takes place after the so called 'Cataclysm', a divine intervention which destroyed the previous civilisation and its technical advancements. As a result, Westrians inhabit a medieval-type, feudal setting and believe in a pagan-style religion, in which the Gods and Goddesses are worshipped in elaborate rituals. Access to the divine powers can be established with the help of a set of crystals, representing the elements of fire, water, earth and wind.
Since the mid-2000s Paxson (born: 1943) has primarily written non-fiction on spiritual as well as mythological topics, establishing herself as a well-respected voice within the fields of Asatru (the worship of Norse Gods and Goddesses) and Runes. She has also carried on writing books in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series, on which she has collaborated for a number of years (partially uncredited) whilst Bradley was still alive. Following her passing, Paxson has authored a number of instalments in the series on her own, the last one being Sword of Avalon.
Though not as widely discussed amongst readers, Paxson is also known for her Westria novels, the Chronicles of Westria: a series of 8 books set in the fictional kingdom of Westria, a post-industrialist state with feudal structures. The first book in the series, Lady of Light, was originally published in 1982. It was followed by the release of Lady of Darkness in 1983. Initially published as individual instalments, TOR released a volume titled Mistress of the Jewels, which combined both books into one edition in 1991. On the cover of Mistress of the Jewels it is wrongly stated that this edition contained the first book of the series. To avoid any doubt and confusion, the author's website provides the definitive chronology and further information on the various editions. It can be found here: https://diana-paxson.com/writing/west...
Travelling through his Kingdom to attend the Festival of Flowers, which marks the onset of spring, King Jehan sets eyes on Lady Faris and falls in love at first sight. Initially, beautiful, yet disfigured Faris convinces herself that she is an unlikely choice. But when Jehan consults the Gods, Faris is revealed to him as Queen. This divine revelation is confirmed during a Beltane festival. And even though Jehan's involvement with Faris is not greeted with great enthusiasm by many quarters, least of all by Jehan's seneschal, Caolin, and Faris's own family, she eventually becomes Queen and, by implication, Mistress of the Jewels.
Before Faris can ascend to Westria's throne, she has to undergo spiritual initiation at the College of the Wise. There she is trained in all matters telepathy and prepared for her dual role as Queen of Westria and Mistress of the Jewels. Those entrusted with Westria's jewels not only wield great power through their ability to access a higher consciousness. As guardians of the jewels they are also given the ability to establish direct contact with their Goddesses and thus to manipulate the elements - powers which they must use wisely and only for the benefit of the greater good.
Meanwhile, Jehan is busy administering his kingdom and maintaining his position as King of all Westrians. With his authority challenged from within as well as without, he relies on the guidance of his trusted seneschal, Caolin, a close friend and confidant, scrupulous political player and the King's former lover.
With Caolin's character Paxson has created a great villain, who is motivated by his own thirst for power and recognition as well as personal jealousy and frustration, resulting from his denied desire for intimacy with the King. Adding the ongoing power struggles amongst the King's men and the rivalry between the Crown and Westria's spiritual leaders to the mix, Paxson manages to serve up a beautifully written, dense and unpredictable tale.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first Westria instalment and will certainly be reading other books in the series. Despite some readers' misgivings in respect of Paxson's heroine, I got the impression that this character will undergo tremendous development in the sequels, which can be gleaned from the final scene of the first book.
My full review is available here: https://readaroundtheclock.blogspot.c...
As can be expected from a first book of a series, Lady of Light sets the scene and introduces the reader to the main protagonists of Paxson's Westria Series. The plot takes place after the so called 'Cataclysm', a divine intervention which destroyed the previous civilisation and its technical advancements. As a result, Westrians inhabit a medieval-type, feudal setting and believe in a pagan-style religion, in which the Gods and Goddesses are worshipped in elaborate rituals. Access to the divine powers can be established with the help of a set of crystals, representing the elements of fire, water, earth and wind.
Since the mid-2000s Paxson (born: 1943) has primarily written non-fiction on spiritual as well as mythological topics, establishing herself as a well-respected voice within the fields of Asatru (the worship of Norse Gods and Goddesses) and Runes. She has also carried on writing books in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series, on which she has collaborated for a number of years (partially uncredited) whilst Bradley was still alive. Following her passing, Paxson has authored a number of instalments in the series on her own, the last one being Sword of Avalon.
Though not as widely discussed amongst readers, Paxson is also known for her Westria novels, the Chronicles of Westria: a series of 8 books set in the fictional kingdom of Westria, a post-industrialist state with feudal structures. The first book in the series, Lady of Light, was originally published in 1982. It was followed by the release of Lady of Darkness in 1983. Initially published as individual instalments, TOR released a volume titled Mistress of the Jewels, which combined both books into one edition in 1991. On the cover of Mistress of the Jewels it is wrongly stated that this edition contained the first book of the series. To avoid any doubt and confusion, the author's website provides the definitive chronology and further information on the various editions. It can be found here: https://diana-paxson.com/writing/west...
Travelling through his Kingdom to attend the Festival of Flowers, which marks the onset of spring, King Jehan sets eyes on Lady Faris and falls in love at first sight. Initially, beautiful, yet disfigured Faris convinces herself that she is an unlikely choice. But when Jehan consults the Gods, Faris is revealed to him as Queen. This divine revelation is confirmed during a Beltane festival. And even though Jehan's involvement with Faris is not greeted with great enthusiasm by many quarters, least of all by Jehan's seneschal, Caolin, and Faris's own family, she eventually becomes Queen and, by implication, Mistress of the Jewels.
Before Faris can ascend to Westria's throne, she has to undergo spiritual initiation at the College of the Wise. There she is trained in all matters telepathy and prepared for her dual role as Queen of Westria and Mistress of the Jewels. Those entrusted with Westria's jewels not only wield great power through their ability to access a higher consciousness. As guardians of the jewels they are also given the ability to establish direct contact with their Goddesses and thus to manipulate the elements - powers which they must use wisely and only for the benefit of the greater good.
Meanwhile, Jehan is busy administering his kingdom and maintaining his position as King of all Westrians. With his authority challenged from within as well as without, he relies on the guidance of his trusted seneschal, Caolin, a close friend and confidant, scrupulous political player and the King's former lover.
With Caolin's character Paxson has created a great villain, who is motivated by his own thirst for power and recognition as well as personal jealousy and frustration, resulting from his denied desire for intimacy with the King. Adding the ongoing power struggles amongst the King's men and the rivalry between the Crown and Westria's spiritual leaders to the mix, Paxson manages to serve up a beautifully written, dense and unpredictable tale.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first Westria instalment and will certainly be reading other books in the series. Despite some readers' misgivings in respect of Paxson's heroine, I got the impression that this character will undergo tremendous development in the sequels, which can be gleaned from the final scene of the first book.
My full review is available here: https://readaroundtheclock.blogspot.c...
October 9, 2016
This epic fantasy series is mentioned in every intro in the Ember-verse, so I finally decided to give it a try. It's OK. The world-building is great, the characters, not so much. Most are one-note characters, and the only really interesting person is the King's beloved who is demoted to 'lets be friends' and cannot deal with it. The corruption of a good person to a 'look what you made me do' evil is slow and not entirely certain - there are many opportunities for redemption.
Westria is America's West Coast after the apocalypse. Tech is gone, we've got fantasy-feudalism instead. The Spirit Animals of Westria don't directly influence people, but the King's Council and the College of Mages try to keep the balance.
The Queen, ie Mistress of Jewels, has some character change in Book 1. She is told by her parents that she is not just ugly but uuuuglyyyyyy - since age 6!!!! - because of a burn scar on her arm. And if she doesn't tell people that she's really uglier than she looks (!!!!!) than she is lying, leading them on, and being a wicked girl. Yikes, that's some bad parenting! Obviously the King cannot fall in love with her - but he does. Even though he sees her sleeve fall away from her burn scar. Later, she has to face a fire. Character development! In emergencies, the Queen knows just what to do. But most of hte time, she's about as take-charge as a leaf in the wind.
The King and most men (and women) in the story are pretty static, the plot tension comes from playing them off against each other instead of internal conflict.
Book 2 -Mr. Evil becomes more Evil, Good triumphs through the details (hah, the devil is in the details subverted!) there is character death galore, and I can see the general outline of the rest of the series. Which I'm not sure I want to read.
Westria is America's West Coast after the apocalypse. Tech is gone, we've got fantasy-feudalism instead. The Spirit Animals of Westria don't directly influence people, but the King's Council and the College of Mages try to keep the balance.
The Queen, ie Mistress of Jewels, has some character change in Book 1. She is told by her parents that she is not just ugly but uuuuglyyyyyy - since age 6!!!! - because of a burn scar on her arm. And if she doesn't tell people that she's really uglier than she looks (!!!!!) than she is lying, leading them on, and being a wicked girl. Yikes, that's some bad parenting! Obviously the King cannot fall in love with her - but he does. Even though he sees her sleeve fall away from her burn scar. Later, she has to face a fire. Character development! In emergencies, the Queen knows just what to do. But most of hte time, she's about as take-charge as a leaf in the wind.
The King and most men (and women) in the story are pretty static, the plot tension comes from playing them off against each other instead of internal conflict.
Book 2 -Mr. Evil becomes more Evil, Good triumphs through the details (hah, the devil is in the details subverted!) there is character death galore, and I can see the general outline of the rest of the series. Which I'm not sure I want to read.
February 5, 2009
*Edit: Found it in Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore!
Note-(haven't read yet) I've heard Diana Paxson is a very good author, and have collected several of her Westria novels, which take place in Northern California in a post-apocolyptic future that reverts to feudalism. This is a recurring theme in science fiction called neo-feudalism.
Anyhow, I can only find her most recent Westria book in the library system (Golden Hills of Westria) but after a search there are many cheap copies of this on Amazon. Though I prefer to start at the beginning of a series, I want to see if I like them first.
Note-(haven't read yet) I've heard Diana Paxson is a very good author, and have collected several of her Westria novels, which take place in Northern California in a post-apocolyptic future that reverts to feudalism. This is a recurring theme in science fiction called neo-feudalism.
Anyhow, I can only find her most recent Westria book in the library system (Golden Hills of Westria) but after a search there are many cheap copies of this on Amazon. Though I prefer to start at the beginning of a series, I want to see if I like them first.
October 4, 2015
I enjoyed the world that was created and plan to continue to read the series, but I would have enjoyed the stories more if the characters had to work towards their skills/power more. Faris ability to wield the jewels advances suddenly. I know it was needed to move the plot along, but I would have preferred a story where people build upon their natural abilities.
Paxson writes beautifully. I enjoyed the world she built and hope to love the characters more as I read on.
Paxson writes beautifully. I enjoyed the world she built and hope to love the characters more as I read on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2008
Okay, very long, epic style. It was worth finishing, but not worth a second read. Fantasy, sort of King Arthur style. King and his new Queen must learn to control the four "jewels" which represent the 4 elements. Sorcery and stuff.
May 5, 2013
I read Lady of Light but didn't like it enough to read Lady of Darkness. In addition, the map of Westria didn't include the sites where most of the novel took place--at least I couldn't find them.
June 23, 2014
This book open new worlds to me back when I had just finished high school. The book stayed with me for years and it wasn't till I was out of college that I found the rest of the series.
Want to Read
February 19, 2008Book 1
June 2, 2010
I read half. It was ok, but never really grabbed me.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews