Lord of the Fading Lands: Tairen Soul, Book 1 (Unabridged) [Audio Download]

If you like a bit of fantasy with your romance I'm sure you'll love this series. I, however, like a bit of romance with my fantasy and found it a little too much in places... I found myself wincing slightly at some of the more flowery emotive passages and there were quite a few of them! That said the overall story was quite intriguing with a couple of nefarious characters to balance it all out with and some sympathetic supporting characters.

I'm unsure whether to continue with this series, too many books to read and so little time... But my expectations may have been a little too high as I had just finished reading the third in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, which had just the right balance (for me) of action, horror, sarcasm and romance. For those of you like me, who enjoy some romance with your fantasy without it making you cringe too much, I would recommend trying Sharon Shinn, Maria V. Snyder and Lois McMaster Bujold.

In the city of Celieria an unprecedented event has occurred, the Rain Tairen Soul has found that which he never thought possible in a time where the Mages cast their darkness over this city again. A love that shines with a rare and special glow triggers all kind of events, from betrayal to revelations of the past and a struggle for more power is always on the lookout. Five Fey warriors serve and protect with a magic all off their own as a new battle is on the horizon and an epic love unfolds itself in all its glory....

Hold on to your seats! There's a new author in town with a novel that vibrates with her talent and will conquer the bestsellers lists in no time, and her name is.....C.L. Wilson.

This is a story that lured me into a fabulous, fast paced and emotional ride that leaves me dazzled. From the first page I felt the promise that C.L. Wilson contains as a writer and she delivers big time! At the foundation of this romantic tale it is about a claiming so fierce, so seductive that it hits the reader full force. The author captures images with words of a king that is willing to do anything for his dying kingdom and an unknowing woman who just might prove to be the answer. This and much more is written with a strong affinity for the fantasy genre that gives this novel its unique approach.

The ferocity in which Rain Tairen Soul claims his Shei'tani ignites a sparkle that sets this story on fire. Those special moments between Rain and Elly weaves a soul connection between them and C.L. Wilson has a rare gift to make me feel these moments with such vivid emotions whirling inside of me. Almost as if I'm actually witnessing a blossoming legendary love so rare and so beautiful that it leaves me convinced nothing will ever keep them apart.

There's also the five Fey warriors of the highest order commanding elemental magic and are the chosen ones to protect Elly. Each one tells you more about the ways of the Tairen and Belliard, as the leader, had me at his introduction in this story! The words in which the author invokes the fantasy in this novel lets me remember the ways of once long ago in the rituals/oaths and protocol of both Celieria and Tairen world, is one that still reverberates through me and echoes with long forgotten chivalry, elegance and magic. Everything about this novel appealed to me on so many levels that it became an instant favorite book of mine. I'm enchanted by the magic that C.L. Wilson weaves with this stunning tale, to start this book is to finish the book!

Realms on our Bookshelves has awarded the Realms Shooting Star to C.L. Wilson for her impressive debut.

Reviewed by Leontine

Courtesy of Realms on our Bookshelves

How do you know that you are reading an excerpt from a book that you like and would love to own? In my case, it is quite easy. I need to find the plot interesting, and the way in which the sample chapter is written engaging. Visiting C. L. Wilson's website (www.clwilson.com), I found just that in her new book, "Lord of the Fading Lands".

"Lord of the Fading Lands" tells us the story of Rainier vel'En Daris, the Tairen Soul and ruler of his people, the Fey. He is a man of great power, but also one that has suffered immense losses in war, including the death of the woman he loved at the hand of his enemies, the Eld Mages. Now, a thousand years later, Rainier will have another chance at love, if he can seize it.

Ellysetta Baristani is the only person that can complete Rainier, his truemate. When Rainier decides to leave his home, the Fading Lands, in order to pay a short visit to his allies in Celieria, a chance encounter will allow the young human woman to meet her destiny in the Fey king. But can Ellie embrace both Rainier and the magic she has always feared? And will Ellie and Rainier win against the ancient forces of evil stalking them?

If you read "Lord of the Fading Lands" you will have answers to those questions, and a lot more. You will also find a whole new world, full of magic, myths and well-drawn characters that will make you care, and want to know what happens next. What else can I say, if not HIGHLY RECOMMENDED?

Belen Alcat

PS: The stories set in this universe continue in the next book in the series, "Lady of Light and Shadows", to be released on October 30, 2007.