In this first installment of what promises to be an exciting and unusual series, Shana O'Quinn does for the Sidhe what Anne Rice did for vampires. These ancient beings live amongst mortals in modern times, unbeknownst to all but a few, and the author's skill at characterization, and especially, the complex web of relationships she weaves, make them seem at once larger than life, and yet at the same time believable and real.
As far as I know, no author has ever blended the modern world with that of the Sidhe so seamlessly. Charles De Lint comes close, but O'Quinn's Fae seem somehow even more integrated into contemporary society. They exist in some ways separate from it, yes, but they are also very much a part of it. And of course, in addition to Elves, Half-Elves and Drow (Dark Elves), their hidden world also contains vampires and werewolves, making for all kinds of possibilities, which promise to be explored more fully in future installments.
O'Quinn's imagination seems to know no bounds, and her knowledge of European and especially Celtic lore is extensive. She also has a great sense of humour. These qualities combined with her considerable writing skill have made her one of my favourite up-and-coming fantasy authors. I eagerly await the next installment.
Christopher Courtley, Author & Poet
www.christophercourtley.com
www.courtleymanor.blogspot.com
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(reviewed 4 months after purchase)