Five years have passed since Bridei had ascended the throne of Fortriu, and he is determined to finally drive the Gaelic invaders from his lands. He sends Faolan, his most trusted advisor, on a mission to ferret out who is friend and who is foe, in the final novel of this historical fantasy series.

Reviews

Adult/High School-This third installment in a fantasy series set in sixth-century Scotland continues the saga of King Bridei and his battle to maintain his kingdom and religion against the rising tide of Christianity. The monarch and his mystical wife enjoy the birth of a baby and the education of their young son, who is showing signs of possessing Tuala's magical abilities. Despite these happy circumstances, Bridei learns of some dark and hidden forces plotting to twist apart the kingdom he's worked so hard to build. He sends Faolon, a skilled assassin and his most trusted friend, out across Scotland and Ireland to learn who the hidden enemies really are. The journey dredges up moments from his past, forcing him to deal with the painful memories of his dead brother and leading into a surprising and well-written love story. Of course, his new love and the strength of the kingdom are both tested through various adventures, acts of treachery, and dark plans fabricated by manipulative villains. Fans of the series will delight in the focus on Faolon, while new readers will find it an easy entry point into Marillier's world. The author makes grand use of the historical and mythological stories of Scotland to create a gripping page-turner that readers of character-driven fantasy will love.-Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

In this captivating third installment in Marillier's historical fantasy series (after 2006's Blade of Fortriu) set in the sixth-century Scottish Highlands and Ireland, Faolan of the U! N?ill clan-bard, assassin, spy and adviser to the Pictish King Bridei of Fortriu-must complete three difficult missions. For Bridei, he must track down a cleric named Colmcille. For his own peace of mind, he must return home to Erin and confront his past. (Ten years earlier Faolan faced an impossible choice that shattered his family and left his eldest brother dead.) For his deceased comrade Deord, he must bring news of the warrior's death to the man's family in Cloud Hill, a task that lands Deord's impoverished 16-year-old daughter, Eile, and her toddler in Faolan's care. Faolan brings Eile back to the court of King Bridei, where they find themselves enmeshed in a plot against the king's half-fey son, Derelei. Despite some anachronistic instances of liberated female behavior and a few discordant modern colloquialisms, this episode will appeal to series fans and new readers alike. (May) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

"Marillier excels at breathing life into the past. Possessing the charm and sweetness of the very young, Bridei and Tuala keep their golden glow to the last page."--"Booklist" on" The Dark Mirror

""Fans of historical fantasy will devour this one and wait eagerly for its sequels."--"VOYA" on" The Dark Mirror
" "Marillier blends old legends with original storytelling to produce an epic fantasy."--"Library Journal" on" Son of the Shadows"