Valley of Shadows [Paperback]

 

 

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This eagerly awaited new novel by Y. I. Lee, takes the reader on an emotional journey, and like many of the best novels, can be read on more than one level.
It begins idyllically on the edge of the Australian outback with Jack Shepherd reflecting on his years of hard work to restore a derelict farm, and realise his dream of breeding and racing horses. His choice of the Arabian breed says a lot about his character, as, like Jack, Arab horses are good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to please.
We learn much about Jack, his son and their Australian home as well as life at their stud farm, before the story has cause to change direction and Jack flies to England.
The novel now takes on a different genre and changes pace as we are thrust into fourteen year old Celia's life in a dark and foreboding house, where she has no memory of her past life, is unwanted by the mistress of the house and has to adopt the role of hard-working maid. Her life is made bearable by certain members of the staff, who help her avoid the sinister and malevolent cat and encourage her to explore.
Throughout the early part of this book, Y.I. Lee carefully scatters names, phrases, events and assorted nuggets to be picked up later.
The discovery of a rocking horse is especially meaningful and symbolic of entering a critical period in Celia's life, as we learn that Celia is stuck between two worlds and has to find, and journey through, the Valley of Shadows of the book's title.
The episode with the spider provides a heightening of tension and is likely to reinforce any arachnophobia in readers, but gives further impetus to Celia's need for speed on her journey.
As in real life, the book's heroine has to make choices, and Celia promises to stick to a particular path, even though it will be more difficult. Her commitment to this course of action sees her warning a stranger and encouraging him not to simply follow others. This stranger joins Celia, and together Celia and John continue their journey.
They encounter a necromancer and are captured by the ugly and evil Gerintow, with their poisonous breath and a penchant for drinking blood. A battle for Celia's and John's souls ensues and they have to pass a test before they can enter the Valley of Shadows.
The fast pace and tension of the dangerous encounters make exciting reading and not everything is what it seems.
They do receive help and try to find answers to some of their questions: inevitably sacrifices are made and further dangers are encountered before they are guided out of the darkness.
The final chapters of the book weave strands and episodes together and events fall into place as the novel explains itself as it takes on its entirety.
On a straightforward level this is an intriguing and gripping novel, encompassing different genres. On an allegorical level it intrigues and illuminates. The whole story is concerned with the battle of good against evil and aligns itself with the idea of a new beginning, looking forward to the future and being aware that life is full of choices, with those choices influencing the future.
There are references made to needing and having faith, and ways of coping with death. For the enquiring minded, there are plenty of other references to seek clarity about.
This is a thoughtful and very enjoyable novel, which may act as a springboard for readers to a variety of genres: from Christian allegory to fantasy, horror and mythology.

Having read both of Y.I.Lee's books and not knowing that the author was femail,my thoughts are what a good author, who can bring you down to earth and also leave you in suspense. The emmense journey that she takes you through keeps the reader encaptured. I felt that her first book could be made into a film, I feel that the second book is a memory to keep within yourself and to add your own personal feelings to it. I feel that she has written this from a personal experience, i.e. the dedication to her sister. The way she as the character (I feel it is personal) puts herself through the perils of the great journey knowing that there is no certainty of the outcome, makes you feel that you are that character Celia. The people and animals who help her to travel the correct path through her very young and tender years are not only her way to freedom, but are also her way to life. Remember she is only young. She faces many perils as we all do through our lives, but she teaches us to believe in what is the correct path in life. Her early years are hateful with the ogres she has to live with, it is a rememberance of the 16th century of servants. Her journey through everything the world can throw at her and the entities that support her make it unbelievable. You always have the feeling that the boy she meets has a meaning to her and you are correct. I love the way Y.I.Lee connects her unhappy past with the future. Not only with her love for a person she met on her journey, but also for a love of a father she never knew. Has this happened in real life to many people. The way Y.I.Lee can change from the past to the future and does not forget the present is something not a lot of authors can do. Maybee it is from personal experiences I do not know. To produce a fantasy which has a meaning of truth to a lot of people is a great achievement and I am looking forward to the next book. Where will the imagination go and where will it stop.

Wow, this book is a must, another great and exiting book by Y I Lee.
After reading her first book I eagerly awaited a follow up, and I was certainly not dissapointed with Valley of Shadows.
This intriguing fascinating story takes you on a journey of terror,fear,hope and victory,from darkness to light. Once again a book that is very hard to put down when you have started to read it.
Well done Y I LEE

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5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Book


This was sent to me from Mrs Foster in Australia.

'I thought this was a very good read. I couldn't put it down, impressive.'

Published on 11 Sep 2009 by Yvonne Lee

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