Queen of Song and Souls – C.L. Wilson (Book 4 in Tairen Soul series)
Fantasy
October 27th, 2009
496 pages, paperback
Dorchester
The Tairen Soul series by C.L. Wilson is one of my favorites. It is a great blend of romance and action, with vibrant characters and a really, really evil villain. The second book of the series, Lady of Light and Shadows is one of my all time favorite books. I remember reading it and having to put it down because I became too emtionally involved in it – only to pick it right back up.
Queen of Song and Souls starts two weeks after King of Sword and Sky and this is one series I highly recommend you read in order. Ellysetta’s sisters and father are lost in the mist and with her four mage marks, Ellysetta cannot go in to search for her family. The only reassurance she has is that she knows if they have good souls they will go unharmed. The mage marks call to Ellysetta, whispering to her to use the black magic of Azrahn when healing. It weighs on her soul, she feels it in every weave of magic she performs. Each time she spins Azrahn, she risks receiving another mark.
Rain and Ellysetta are at odds. Rain risks his life everyday fighting in the fierce battles against the Eld. Ellysetta feels it is necessary to take risks to heal the wounded and others, risking herself, using Azrahn when needed to heal an injured soul. Rain won’t stand for it, but Ellysetta sees it as the same risk Rain is making to defend his people. When her temper gets too high and she is at odds at what to do she is reminded by Stelli, one of the Tairen, that Rain has already scorched the Earth once. Ellysetta is the only one anchoring him to his sanity. Ellysetta knows this is the truth and steps back, allowing Rain to win this battle.
Rain and Ellysetta discover the dark fires of the Eld burning and that the Eld are building up there armies on a monstous scale, and this could be bigger than the Mage wars from the past. A umagi Eld is captured and Ellysetta inadvertently performs a truthhold and discovers Vadim Maur, the High Mage, future plans. Vadim’s time is running out. His current body is rotting, and his council is sensing weakness. The infants he has raised and tied souls from unborn Tairen have all gone insane once they progressed past childhood. Only Ellysetta has entered into adulthood without a bit of insanity. Vadim wants her body to hold his incarnated soul and he is becoming desperate to get to her.
Rain and Ellysetta have an urgent need to finish their bonding. Once their bond is complete, the mage can not soul-claim Ellysetta. However, the bonding can not be rushed and Ellysetta and Rain must find a way to fight the Eld and all of the dark power that is encompassing Ellysetta, while holding on to their true love.
Queen of Song and Souls really deals with Ellysetta’s four mage marks and the extent to which they are affecting her and all the Fey. Ellysetta is much more confident using weaves and healing those in the battlefield or others that need her but we also find an Ellysetta who is riddled with shame and guilt because of the mage marks she carries. No matter how much Rain and others support her, she can not help to think of the destruction she could cause in the future if Vadim Maur finds a way to take over her soul. Gaelen, being a former dal’resihen would routinely kill anyone that had more than three marks. Once someone receives the fourth mark, the person can be influenced by the high mage. This not only has a profound effect on Ellysetta, but Rain creeps closer to the edge with this information. He already scorched the Earth once when is former mate, Sariel died. With news that Ellysetta may have to be killed if she is a marked again or if Vadim Maur invades her thoughts enough to change her, Rain could go over that cliff again.
While this book felt a bit like a stepping stone for the fifth and final book, Tairen Soul, C.L. Wilson gives us delicious interaction of relationships. While Rain and Ellyesetta’s relationship is analyzed in detail, we also visit King Dorian and Queen Annoura. The tension is still there in their ever quarrelsome relationship with her accusation of his holding the Fey in higher esteem then herself. A surprising event occurs and someone from the past shows up. Although Queen Annoura is so spiteful and King Dorian lacks communication with her, this is one of my favorite couples. I have no idea what is in store for them in the final book, but I love the journey they have had in this series.
Gaelen and Bel, two more of my favorite characters and part of Ellysetta’s quintet that guard her, take a backseat in this story, but don’t be let down. C.L. Wilson has said she hopes to give each of them their own book in the future.
Vadim Maur in all of his evilness is again causing turmoil and emotional distress. He is my absolute favorite villain and he does not let down in this book. His torture of Shan and Elfeya is horrific and I am really looking forward to see his demise in the final book. I hope he gets it good!
We do get more from Talisa and Adrial, the couple from previous in the series. Talsia waited until her 25th birthday to find her mate, and when he didn’t show, she married the man her parents picked for her, Lord Sebourne. Soon after, Adrial shows up, her truemate. But now she is married and can’t break her vows. Adrial is on the verge of darkness, and refuses to leave her, instead staying invisible to be with her constantly. Be ready to go on an emotional roller coaster with this couple.
Queen of Song and Souls is another amazing addition to this series. You will smile, cry, and for many scenes hold your breath and dare not move until you know the outcome. The fifth and final book of this incredible series will be one of my most anticipated books of 2010.
Rating: Four Stars
This series includes:
Lord of the Fading Lands
Lady of Light and Shadows
King of Sword and Sky
Queen of Song and Souls – October 27, 2009
Tairen Soul – 2010
I am going for some awesome reading weeks with Deep Kiss In Winter, Shadowfae and QoSaS. Your review just triggers the instant need for me to read this new addition to the Tairen series NOW. *sigh* Is QoSaS going to be a more open ending like with Lord Of The Fading Lands??
I am absolutely terrified of reading this book. This is one of my favourite series and I am just gaah scared that now that my reading habits changed so much, this will not work for me as well as it used to.
Having said that, your review gives me hope.
Yes, the ending wraps up only a minor plot line, and even with that one I think we haven't seen the end. (vague – I know but can't give spoilers!)
Really – nothing is resolved..like I said, this book sets up everything for the final book…but things are definitely put in motion..which of course makes the wait for the final book that much harder!!
Ana – hmmm…this is how I feel – the first two completely amazed me. The third was a bit slower..this one like I said is really setting up events for the final book. I missed Bel and Gaelen, but with Adrial and the Queen back in full force, it gave me my fill of this world. I just can't wait to see how it all ends!!
Great review Mandi! This one is hard to talk about because of so much going on. I want to say so much more…very emotional read indeed.
I have half a mind to just wait until the final book is out, the wait is not that long and it would be great to just finally reach the end. You know what? That's what I will do! : D
I think the final book is coming out in January..not a long wait at all
You know, Ana, that's not a bad idea. I have this one and wasn't actually asked for a review, so maybe waiting for the fifth one would enable me to be more patient with Queen.
As it is, I wasn't enjoying Queen. Mandi, you mentioned this one felt like a stepping stone to the fifth book and that's actually been an overwhelming feeling for me so far. The amount of filler is disappointing. I love, love and love this series; it's one of my all-time favorites, but the repetition of Ellie's and Rain's usual conflicts are starting to wear thin.
I dunno, might wait, might pull myself ut of this funk. Glad you enjoyed it; that does giv one hope. ;)
I feel like if this fourth book would have been the final one though, it would have had too much in it. Not saying there isn't filler in this one..it definitely is a set-up book..but now everything is set in place. And the final one better be damn good! ;)
Talisa and Adrial's story tore me up! More so than Rain and Ellie.
Vadim needs his balls ripped off and fed to him. I hate him with a passion.
So Miss Smexy I noticed some underage abs on this blog…
I cannot wait for this book! So looking forward to it. Thanks for the review.
Yes, those are underage abs..damn fine abs ;)
Tracy – I hope you enjoy!
Scared of spoilers so did not read that carefully, just enough to see that you liked it- Good news since I have book 1 :)
I feel so far behind, I haven't had a chance to read C.L. Wilson's bks (yet). I hear this series is am-az-ing. The cover makes me want to play with my Lord of the Rings Halloween costume – get me in the fantasy mood. Great review!
I as well have to hang head in shame – I have not read this as well…
But their is still time to sort that out…
Great review Mandy…
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