A review by soulkissed2003
The Keys to the Realms by Roberta Trahan
5.0
In this, the second book in The Dream Stewards series, Glain and the other stewards at Fane Gramarye must hold strong against dark forces. The evil traitor Machreth betrayed the stewards, and he and his minions use their dark magic in an attempt to thwart an ancient prophecy that will ensure peace in the land. Hywel, heir to the throne, must take control of his kingdom to fulfill that prophecy.
Glain is a complex young woman who is struggling to grieve for her teacher, Madoc, who was trapped in the Well of Tears in the first novel of the series. Meanwhile, she yearns for affection from Rhys, the Sovereign Alwen's son, yet both of them know that their vows to protect the prophecy prevent them from a deep relationship. Glain must look beyond her own emotions. There are still traitors within the stewardry, and it is up to her to find them as her mistress Alwen faces failing health. Her heart is broken as she tries to determine which of the folk she counted as friends have been undermining her all along.
This novel is an exciting story of ancient times, set in what eventually became Wales and Scotland. Based on the author's research, she has taken what sparse history there is available from centuries ago, and skillfully patched those bits together with a compelling fantasy story and interesting characters that will capture the imagination. The pace of the story moved along briskly; I didn't want to put this one down. New plot developments kept me riveted!
The book was released in April, 2014 through 47 North. ISBN 978-1-4778-4995-8.
Glain is a complex young woman who is struggling to grieve for her teacher, Madoc, who was trapped in the Well of Tears in the first novel of the series. Meanwhile, she yearns for affection from Rhys, the Sovereign Alwen's son, yet both of them know that their vows to protect the prophecy prevent them from a deep relationship. Glain must look beyond her own emotions. There are still traitors within the stewardry, and it is up to her to find them as her mistress Alwen faces failing health. Her heart is broken as she tries to determine which of the folk she counted as friends have been undermining her all along.
This novel is an exciting story of ancient times, set in what eventually became Wales and Scotland. Based on the author's research, she has taken what sparse history there is available from centuries ago, and skillfully patched those bits together with a compelling fantasy story and interesting characters that will capture the imagination. The pace of the story moved along briskly; I didn't want to put this one down. New plot developments kept me riveted!
The book was released in April, 2014 through 47 North. ISBN 978-1-4778-4995-8.