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Wind Rider Chronicles #3

Visions of Light and Shadow

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It has been six months since Cailean's death, and Elowyn can't get his special clifftop in the mountains out of her thoughts…or her dreams. Something is drawing her there, despite the danger, and time is running out. The new spring growth is threatening to cover what's left of his foot trail forever, but getting there is going to be more challenging than she imagined, especially with the thieves still lurking along the mining road.

Morganne is having difficulties of her own. The monks are making plans to send the tomes away, Braeden's tax demands are increasing yet again, and Morganne's once prosperous shop has been noticeably empty. On top of that, the Kinship is getting ready to leave Minhaven—seemingly for good this time.

With political unrest building, and the Black Shrine still intact, Glak and Bane want the girls to go with them. Elowyn is eager to leave her sorrows behind, certain that Aviad is calling them to follow the road beyond Minhaven, but Morganne isn't so sure. She's not ready to abandon everything they know for an uncertain future, and Elowyn finds herself at a crossroads. Will she be able to convince Morganne that it's Aviad's voice she is hearing, or will she be forced to go on alone?

Book 3 of the Wind Rider Chronicles

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2018

7 people are currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

Allison D. Reid

13 books45 followers
Allison D. Reid was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her love for medieval fantasy was sparked by the Narnia Chronicles by C.S. Lewis, which fed both her imagination and her spiritual development. When at the age of thirteen her family moved to Germany, her passion for medieval history and legend only increased, and she found herself captivated by the ancient towns and castles of Europe.

Allison returned to the United States to study art and writing at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. She earned her B.A. under the tutelage of the well-renowned and prolific writer Andrew Salkey, a student of her other great inspiration, and the father of fantasy, J. R. R. Tolkien. After graduating from Hampshire College, Allison moved to Connecticut. There she got the opportunity to attend seminary and further explore her faith before returning to her home state of Ohio.

Allison now lives in the Miami Valley area with her husband and children. She continues to work on her first published series while taking care of her family, editing for other independent writers, and managing a home business.

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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
252 reviews23 followers
September 6, 2020
Review for “Visions of Light and Shadow” by Allison D. Reid:

It’s the third book from the “Wind Rider Chronicles” series written by fantasy Christian author, Allison D. Reid. The story focuses on three sisters’ adventures as they carry on the journey that Aviad sent them to take.
The author attracts her readers through her simple writing style that can be easily understood. The world she created is a mixture of scenes from the holy Christian books and fantasy, reviving old medieval stories and legends. Not only that the novel itself gives the readers a religious and sometimes philosophical view of the world, but it will make them find themselves within the characters too.
During the journey with the three sisters, the readers will realize that every path they take in life is not as easy as it seems. Aviad in this case will test them from time to time to see if they are worthy to battle in the war against evil. The truth can sometimes hurt, but it’s better than living a lie.
Like Elowyn, we will learn to trust instinct and be careful whom we trust because nothing is what it seems. The rite to passage is one of the most important themes discussed in this novel. Others include: self-knowledge, facing our fears, destiny, discrimination, sexism, bigotry, the struggle between leaving our comfort zone and moving on in life, making the right decisions, light/ darkness, bravery/ fear, old/new, instinct/ over thinking/ reason, past/ present/ future, true faith/ false faith, real monks/ false monks and choosing between being independent and staying with family.
Like in many literary works, there are certain things that have a symbolic meaning namely, fog – secret, danger, curtain; mountains – obstacles; climbing mountains – marching on; dreams – ways for Aviad, the dead or even the forces of evil to communicate with humans; forests – dangers, mystery, evil, but also shelter and nature’s temple; trees – protection, courage, good health, strength; evergreen trees – determination, remembrance, endurance, rebirth, longevity, friendship, progress, honesty; There are also things with a holy meaning like the number three or the circle. Natural phenomena can give the reader hints of what’s to be expected if measures aren’t taken.
Colors have an important significance throughout the novel too: white – purity; red – evil, valor, compassion, willpower; green – wealth, nature, hope, health, self-control, renewal; blue – wisdom, faith, strong, friendly, cold, stability, intelligence, self-righteousness; black – evil, hell and yellow – light, sun.
The writer advises us to use honor, courage and faith as weapons against evil. Many secrets will be revealed and Allison assures us that there are more to come before the journey is over.
Family, adventure, danger, betrayal, love, friendship, loyalty and trust are some of the things we can find through the pages of this book.
Together with J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, J. K. Rowling, Sophie-Audouin-Mamikonian, Richard H. Stephens, Emily Martha Sorensen, Laura Știrbu, Miruna Ursache, Georgia Lohan, Elena Kedros, Moony Witcher, Paula Harrison, Matt Haig, Chris Riddell, S. A. Patrick, K. M. Jenkins and B. K. Boes, Allsion D. Reid revolutionized the fantasy genre through her unique world and brought the holy books back to life.
I recommend this story to readers 10+ since there are some scenes that younger readers can’t understand.
Profile Image for Lana.
2,846 reviews61 followers
February 22, 2022
Morganne and Elowyn are both believers of Aviad, but they are simple girls trying to make a living and survive, so they cannot fathom why Aviad would call them to do his bidding according to their abilities. Morganne knew how to read the ancient script and was interested in scholarship, so was entrusted with reading and translating important tomes for the monks working side by side with them whilst Elowyn was being given visions of both past and future happenings which were draining her of energy and endangering her very life. Elowyn had found what she had called a coin but what turned out to be a very important relic, highly sought after by both the factions of light and those of shadow, however this relic was meant to be used by Varol's heir even though his descendants were all dead. Who was this heir and when would he appear? Was Elowyn meant to hold on to the relic even though it was putting her life in danger? Bane and Glak were of the opinion she should give it to the monks but the voice in her head warned her that not all monks were to be trusted. Braeden controlled the abbot and the temple and he had turned towards dark sorcery. A war of light against the dark was looming, evil beasts were escaping through the red gate from under the mountain and they were all still very ill prepared to face them. But they were now part of the Kinship and together, taking heed of Elowyn's visions the light might prevail but their battle was just starting and there was a rocky road ahead for all of them. I love the courage of the girls and their faith even when things were so obscure. I also really love a good battle of light against the forces of the dark and so am looking forward to the next book in this series. The writing style of Ms. Reid is very easy and pleasant to read and her descriptions of nature are very vivid and bring the places to life for the reader!
Profile Image for Honeybee.
416 reviews16 followers
May 22, 2024
The meatiest book of the series so far

I love it when authors offer the first book of their series for free. I have discovered some delightful books and series by new authors this way. Allison Reid is one of my new favorites.

The Wind Rider Chronicles is engaging, suspenseful, and immersive. While I was reading this book and the previous ones, I kept finding myself stealing away from other responsibilities to find out what would happen next. I even stayed up late reading more than once!

This book unveils a lot of the history and faith of the people in this fantasy world. Learning what Morganne finds in the ancient tomes she is allowed to translate and and what Aviad reveals to Elowyn through her rapidly increasing visions makes it more alarmingly clear what the people of the land are up against in the impending clash between dark and light. We also learn why little Adelin was so disdained by her mother and why she so captivated Bane’s heart.

The Shadow army is released by the end of this book, so it will be interesting to see what happens next. Fortunately, I went ahead and purchased the rest of the series, so I can binge to my heart’s desire!

Profile Image for J.F..
Author 14 books125 followers
May 1, 2019
If you enjoyed the first two installments in the Wind Rider Chronicles, you will want to continue the journey.

The Kinship is leaving Minhaven for the tower and Bane convinces Elowyn and Morganne to join them. Before they set out on their next adventure, Elowyn begins having visions. Once she arrives at the Tower, the wisps lead her to an old, buried temple where she experiences a strong vision that zaps all her energy. Realizing she can no longer keep her secrets, she confides in Glak and two monks. The tension builds as the dangers of all that is prophesied in the ancient tomes takes shape and encroaches on the girls.

Unfortunately, the next installment isn't available yet. But, I will be sure to be on the lookout as I can't wait to learn how the story wraps up. I've followed the girls through so much, I have to see how they finally make it through to the other side of the ever-increasing darkness.

If you like inspirational tales that ring true with characters you'll grow to love, pick up the Wind Rider series and join Elowyn and Morganne in their travels.
Profile Image for R.V..
Author 5 books4 followers
June 1, 2019
Allison Reid's third Wind Rider story is a well written "tome" in which a gathering storm of darkness continues to threaten the Sovereign's lands. Menace is wonderfully presented, and themes of prophecy, and fellowship are developed further from her earlier works. Spiritual conflict is addressed in both the physical and spiritual realms, and these manifested well in the contrasts of corrupted clergy, and the "true believers" who oppose them. The themes of guilt and redemption also feature. I look forward to reading more of this saga.
2,179 reviews20 followers
December 26, 2019
I thought this was the end of the series. Obviously not ☹️. The story is really well done, but I was hoping for a satisfying ending, where good triumphs over evil. Disappointed
Profile Image for Angel Ballard.
778 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2019
This continuation in the Wind Rider Chronicles keeps you on the edge of your seat not wanting to put the book down for a minute! As the characters get drawn down their path you are right there with them every step of the way. This is one of the best authors I have ever read and I can't wait to read the next one!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews