TWILIGHT RISING, SERPENT'S DREAM

Author: Diana Marcellas ISBN: 0312874820 8/2004 FANTASY Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates

In TWILIGHT RISING, SERPENT'S DREAM acclaimed author Diana Marcellas returns to the tale of the young shari'a witch, Brierley, who once thought she was the last of the shari'a: a race of powerful witches who lived in peace and harmony, using their powers for good. Only the women of the shari'a had the gift, and they ruled wisely and well. Her people flourished for millennia, guided by the elemental beings who embodied forces of nature and who could tame the world. Then the fierce Allemanii 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 Allemanii had of witches soon boiled over into genocide. The Allemanii decimated the shari'a out of fear of their differences. Brierley hid in the shadows, keeping her healing powers a secret until she is compelled to use them. Once she is discovered, she is forced to flee the only home she ­ has ever known. But she does not go alone, because she has captured the heart of Duke Melfallan and he goes with her. Though Allemani, he vows to change the Law condemning any shari'a to death. He has come to know that the shari'a are not monsters ...they can bring great joy to the world. While Melfallan fights to save her, Brierly discovers that she is not the last of her kind. There are many others who managed to stay in the shadows-generations of shari'a who have kept quiet, hiding their powers. And not all of them share Brierly's good heart.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Creative, intriguing and beautifully written, this novel has a complex plot and well rounded characters. There is a little something for everyone in this book—romance, castles, dragons, witches, lords and ladies!

I really enjoyed the air of mystery and fantasy that surrounds the shari’a witches, and I am anxious to read more about Brierly and Melfallen because I think that there is still a lot in store for these two. Dare I hope that Marcellas will also continue this series, with Ashdla and Will having their own stories?!

Carrye Syma