Twilight Rising, Serpent's Dream

The Witch of Two Suns #3

by Diana Marcellas

The young shari'a witch Brierley once thought that she was the last of her kind, powerful witches who lived in peace and harmony, using their powers for good. Only the women of her people had the gift and they ruled wisely and well. Her people had flourished for millennia, guided by the elemental beings who embodied the very forces of nature and who could tame the world.But then the fierce Allemani people came from beyond the sea. Newly settled in the land, they at first dwelt in peace with the shari'a. But trust turned to hate and the fear that the Allemani had for the witches soon boiled over into genocide. The Allemani decimated the shari'a out of fear of their differences.And so Briarly hid in the shadows, keeping her healing powers a secret-but she was compelled to use them when necessary, and these actions caused her to be discovered. When she was forced to flee the only home she had ever known, she did not go alone, for she had captured the heart of Duke Melfallan, and though he is Allemani, he vows to attempt to change the Law condemning any shari'a to death because he has come to know that the shari'a are not monsters...and they can bring a great joy to the world.As she makes her way out into the world to hide while Melfallan fights to save her, Brierley discovers that she is not the last of her kind. That there are many, like her, who managed to stay in the shadows, generations of shari'a who have kept quiet, hid their powers and have waited. And that not all of whom share Brierley's good heart.The time of reckoning is at hand, the forces that the shari'a once controlled are being summoned once more, and Brierley finds that the hatred that fueled the Allemani ages past is still very much alive.Will Brierley have to sacrifice her life (and that of her unborn child) to save an entire world and make things right for her people?

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Adult, Science Fiction Fantasy

496 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Diana Marcellas is a pen name for Paula E. Downing.

Reviews

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a guy who was once married to Diana Marcellas, and who read the first two books in her Witch of Two Suns series, perhaps I can add some helpful info. Tor contracted with Diana to print only three books in this series. I know from talking with her that she planned more than three books with Brierly and in this series. Soooo, email and bug Tor Books a lot if you want a fourth book in the series. Diana (her maiden first name is Paula) also has written some great scifi novels as Paula E. Downing, P.K. McAllister and Paula King. The characters in these books are as well-done as those you are enjoying in her fantasy work. As for learning more about her, she may have an author page on the web page of Tor Books (not MacMillan's page). Last I heard she was still living in Arizona, but her email address is not current. Finally, if you wish to know more about her and her writing, Google her Paula E. Downing name and click on some of the author interview entries that you will see, including the one I wrote for Expanse mag. Enjoy! Tom (T. Jackson King).

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was enjoyable continuation of the series begun in _Mother Ocean, Daughter Sea_ and continued in _The Sea Lark's Song_. I would have given it four stars, because I like Marcellas' writing style, and her plots and characters are intriguing and fresh. Unfortunately, the book ends with some _major_ plot threads completely unresolved. My guess is that there was one more book planned, but the trilogy didn't sell well enough for Tor to pick it up. Or perhaps Ms. Marcellas got writer's block and couldn't finish it.

On a side note, I've looked all over the internet trying to find information about Ms. Marcellas, but there is very, very little. Diana Marcellas, where are you?

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

I adored this book. Honorable Earl's, deceitful dukes,wise witches, daring dragons, it has it all. Well worth the reading. Words are not my game. Read this book and render your own opinion.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the trilogy, but there is more to the story that the author hasn't written. The ending doesn't feel finished.

[Layla Ishler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

This is a light read with a good story line. This is the type of book I choose when I want to read and just enjoy the characters and story without too much thinking.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love this series. I want to sing it's praises from the highest tower and encourage all my friends to read it... except for the fact that this last book ends in a cliffhanger that should be continued in the next book... which was never published T_T Tis makes me so very sad...

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent 3rd title in the series.

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, but wish there was a 4th book. Lots of things left unresolved at the end, and I would love to know what should happen :)

[Cindy Parren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! One of my favorite all-time reads.... would recommend it to anyone!