Rachel Lee, Shadows of Prophecy

Shadows of Prophecy

Rachel Lee

Luna, Jan 2006, $13.95, 496 pp.

ISBN 0373802196

Giri and Ratha are Anari, a long lived race that the Ilduin and the First Born immortal Archer created so that the earth would have one race that turns their backs on war and seeks peace. Sara and Tess are Ilduin women of formidable power much of which they are not aware of. Tom is a seer. These six people journey to the Anari city of Anahar so that Sara and Tess can visit the temple to learn about their power and heritage.

The rest of the Anari train for war against the Bozandari who conquered and enslaved them now for three generations. The peace loving Anari know they need to fight if they want to preserve their heritage. However, even if the Anari can win against a well trained fighting force, they must contend with the Evil One, who has a very special relationship with Archer. They must defeat this malevolent being because he is gaining more powers through his minion that will eventually enable him break out of his caged exile to reenter the world he was banished from.

There are six protagonists in this romantic fantasy and the author easily switches view points so readers know what they are thinking and feeling at all times. Sara and Tom are a couple, Archer who feels guilt for what he sets in motion refuses to allow his feelings for Tess to surface and is not at all sure she wants to love an immortal who caused the upcoming catastrophe. Through Tess' eyes readers see the horrors of war. Rachel Lee has written a work that has romance, intrigue, graphic battle scenes and awe inspiring acts of bravery.

Harriet Klausner