GODS OLD AND DARK

Author: Holly Lisle ISBN: 0380818396 4 /2004 FANTASY Publisher: Eos/Harper Collins

The spellbinding conclusion to the magnificent epic of fantastic adventure and worlds within worlds. Live magic has returned to the Earth -- as the demons of every universe gather to destroy it ... The World Gates offer passage into countless realms, dimensions, and nightmares, changing forever those few with the courage to cross over. Lauren Dane and Molly McColl, two sisters transformed, now hold the future of all living things in their hands -- for Lauren's mission to bring life-giving magic back to Earth and other dying worlds has not gone unnoticed. And Molly's power to protect her will not hold against the countless ancient evils that are closing in. For the maelstrom is coming to drag down gods and humans alike. And darkness will surely prevail unless a last, desperate stand is made against the dreaded Night Watch, eater of worlds.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

GODS OLD AND DARK is the third in a series about Molly McColl and Lauren Dane, two half-sisters given the charge of saving the Earth from destruction. In this complex story, the sisters’ task is to bring good magic to Earth from downworlds while also eliminating the Dark Gods, those determined to destroy Earth and “drink” its death.

I’m glad that I went back and read the first two books in the series before starting this one. The story is rather complicated and difficult for the reader to catch up if starting with GODS OLD AND DARK. I will say this, it’s worth the time to go back and read all three. Lisle has created some rich characters in an engaging storyline. The two sisters, Molly and Lauren are especially intriguing. Lauren, still grieving the loss of her husband, seems fragile, but the steel underneath her skin soon seeps out. I found her grief very convincing. Having a sister that recently lost her husband and is also raising a child alone, I can see many of the same characteristics and actions in Lauren. This is one of the best fantasy series that I have read in a long while. There is plenty of action and lots of suspense here, and I couldn’t wait to turn the page and see what was going to happen next. I highly recommend not only GODS OLD AND DARK, but also MEMORY OF FIRE and THE WRECK OF HEAVEN. This is a series not to be missed by fans of the fantasy genre.

Kendra Patterson