The Heart of Stars
Kate Forsyth’s most recent novel, The Heart of Stars, is book three of “Rhiannon’s Ride.” This is the second series after “The Witches of Eileanan,” which I have highly recommended to any fantasy reader. This series is about a new cast of characters, many are simply next generation of characters from The Witches of Eileanan. However, many of the original characters reprise their roles.
I have to praise Forsyth’s ability to drag her reader into the story and not release them until it’s over. This story is just as exciting as those previous. I think her career is destined to be long and successful. Forsyth’s books are some of the few that I forget to read with a critical eye, as I’m too busy being swept up in what’s taking place in her world.
I won’t give a detailed summary of The Heart of Stars because there is a lot happening and saying too much could ruin it. However, this book continues where The Shining City left off.
Rhiannon and her winged mare, Blackthorn, must help defeat a group of necromancers who are trying to revive Lord Malvern’s family from the grave. Rhiannon is aided by Finn the Cat, Jay the Fiddler and several others who are trying to rescue the kidnapped MacCuinn twins from becoming Malvern’s sacrifices.
Isabeau and Dide also play a large role in helping to retrieve the new Righ from his kidnapper. Their task is to stop another sorceress from sacrificing the Righ to initiate the Spell of Resurrection to revive the legendary Brann the Raven, a powerful sorcerer (with all ten rings of power) who had vowed to outwit death itself.
Meanwhile, Bronwen is trying to maintain some control over a rapidly changing court. She has to divert suspicions that she is behind the kidnappings and keep those loyal to the former Righ, loyal to her as well until her husband is brought home. She must also face the threat of traitors still in her midst.
Keep an eye out for the first in this series, The Tower of Ravens by Kate Forsyth:
Right down to the third book, the read is an exciting adventure. I hope there are more to come in this series.
“An elaborate and fascinating land with a history of battles between good and evil, and peopled with original beings with Celtic flavor. Magic permeates this world…exciting, well-written.” — Romance Reviews Today
As always Kate Forsyth receives a full 5 stars. I have yet to be disappointed by her. I hope you all go out and pick up one of her novels. (I recommend starting with “The Witches of Eileanan”) Enjoy a truly riveting story and be sure to find a comfortable seat, as you’ll be on it’s edge most of the time.
