Picking up where The Shadow Queen left off, this 8th novel in the Black Jewel Series connects to characters featured in The Invisible Ring. Plain-featured Lady Cassidy has become Queen of troubled Dena Nehele; a land torn by mistrust and betrayal. Even her Circle of Twelve, men who should owe her their first loyalty, is fractured by the damage done by the previous rulers and expectations fostered during the long years of revolt. In order to survive her trial year as Queen, Cassidy must overcome the Achilles heel of her past to blossom into the leader she needs to become, to bring the land to peace.

Although this is the first book I have read from the Black Jewels series, Bishop provided enough background to allow me to become immersed in the lives of the characters and the unique challenges her fantasy realm presents. As with most fantasy novels, the world is almost a character unto itself, but Anne Bishop has the skill to let the characters of the story shine against that backdrop, rather than being overshadowed by complexities of the land in which they live.

Within the first chapter I became invested in the conflict between Ranon, survivor of a persecuted minority; and Theran, raised to be a ruler in the newly cleansed Dena Nehele. The mysteries of Grey, would-be consort to the queen kept me reading, wondering how he could possibly overcome the torturous damage he suffered on behalf of Theran.

Previous characters are not merely trotted out to provide ties to the other books , but are woven integrally into the plot. And what a plot. Although I can often determine the general outcome of a story before I am half-way through the book, SHALADOR'S LADY kept me guessing, and provided an eminently satisfying resolution.

Book Summary

Return to the "intense...erotic...and imaginative" (Nancy Kress) world of the national bestselling Black Jewels novels in this sequel to The Shadow Queen.

For years the Shalador people suffered the cruelties of the corrupt Queens who ruled them, forbidding their traditions, punishing those who dared show defiance, and forcing many more into hiding. Now that their land has been cleansed of tainted Blood, the Rose-Jeweled Queen, Lady Cassidy, makes it her duty to restore it and prove her ability to rule.

But even if Lady Cassidy succeeds, other dangers await. For the Black Widows see visions within their tangled webs that something is coming that will change the land-and Lady Cassidy-forever...

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