Review: Dark Moon of Avalon by Anna Elliott (Twilight of Avalon #2)
Dark Moon of Avalon
by Anna Elliott
Book Two in the “Twilight of Avalon” Trilogy; Book One reviewed here
Having narrowly escaped with her life in the previous book, Twilight of Avalon, Isolde is keeping a low profile. She works as a healer, tending to the wounded and the sick, but she will soon play a greater role once again. As the invasion of Britain by the Saxons continue, the High King Madoc must join with other powerful lords in order to keep his people free. Isolde, beautiful and young and the former High Queen, is the perfect prize to seal an alliance. She agrees to visit Cedric of Wessex in a clandestine mission, which reunites her once again with Trystan. Although she is in love with him, she cannot reveal her true feelings for her childhood friend, but the more time they spend alone together the harder it is to resist the temptation.
There's something so melancholy yet magical about the atmosphere of this book. The kingdoms of the Britons are crumbling away, but Isolde and Madoc still cling to the hope that they can prevail over the Saxon forces. It's so tragic to watch this civilization in decline, especially since most readers will already know the ultimate fate of the characters.
In my last review, I mentioned my surprise over the lacking romance between Trystan and Isolde. In this book, the characters are both fully aware that they are head-over-heels in love with the other...but neither feels 'worthy' of their partner, so they refuse to vocalize these feelings. It got really frustrating at times! I just wanted to shake Trystan so he'd stop whining that he is not Isolde's equal in social rank and refinement and whatnot. When they finally broke down and did professed their love, I shouted, “Finally!!!” which earned me a rather strange look from my fiance, who was working on his laptop nearby.
But with that exception, I quite enjoyed the book. The politics between the various factions are fascinating, and I loved many of the secondary characters from other ethnic groups. There are plenty of action-filled battle scenes - hey, sometimes I just love me some bloody gore! - but some of the quiet moments are the most poignant in the book.
I've already got the last book in this trilogy and should get to reading it quite soon.
3.5 out of 5 stars
To read more about Dark Moon of Avalon, buy it from an independent bookstore or add it to your wishlist click here.
by Anna Elliott
Book Two in the “Twilight of Avalon” Trilogy; Book One reviewed here
Having narrowly escaped with her life in the previous book, Twilight of Avalon, Isolde is keeping a low profile. She works as a healer, tending to the wounded and the sick, but she will soon play a greater role once again. As the invasion of Britain by the Saxons continue, the High King Madoc must join with other powerful lords in order to keep his people free. Isolde, beautiful and young and the former High Queen, is the perfect prize to seal an alliance. She agrees to visit Cedric of Wessex in a clandestine mission, which reunites her once again with Trystan. Although she is in love with him, she cannot reveal her true feelings for her childhood friend, but the more time they spend alone together the harder it is to resist the temptation.
There's something so melancholy yet magical about the atmosphere of this book. The kingdoms of the Britons are crumbling away, but Isolde and Madoc still cling to the hope that they can prevail over the Saxon forces. It's so tragic to watch this civilization in decline, especially since most readers will already know the ultimate fate of the characters.
In my last review, I mentioned my surprise over the lacking romance between Trystan and Isolde. In this book, the characters are both fully aware that they are head-over-heels in love with the other...but neither feels 'worthy' of their partner, so they refuse to vocalize these feelings. It got really frustrating at times! I just wanted to shake Trystan so he'd stop whining that he is not Isolde's equal in social rank and refinement and whatnot. When they finally broke down and did professed their love, I shouted, “Finally!!!” which earned me a rather strange look from my fiance, who was working on his laptop nearby.
But with that exception, I quite enjoyed the book. The politics between the various factions are fascinating, and I loved many of the secondary characters from other ethnic groups. There are plenty of action-filled battle scenes - hey, sometimes I just love me some bloody gore! - but some of the quiet moments are the most poignant in the book.
I've already got the last book in this trilogy and should get to reading it quite soon.
3.5 out of 5 stars
To read more about Dark Moon of Avalon, buy it from an independent bookstore or add it to your wishlist click here.