Book Review: Heir to the Shadows by Anne Bishop

Heir to the Shadows
Author: Anne Bishop
Series: Black Jewels, Book 2
Publication: Roc; Reprint edition (August 7, 2007)

Description: In the second novel set in the “darkly fascinating world” (SF Site) of Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels Trilogy, ambitions unfurl as the realm’s dreams of a liberator have finally been made flesh...

The Blood have waited centuries for the coming of Witch, the living embodiment of magic. But Jaenelle, the young girl singled out by prophecy, is haunted by the cruel battles fought over her—for not all the Blood await her as their Savior. Some dismiss her as a myth. Some refuse to believe. And still others look forward to using her, making her a pawn to their shadowy devices.

Only time and the devotion of her loyal guardians have healed Jaenelle’s physical wounds. But her mind is fragile, barely able to protect her from the horrifying memories of her childhood. Nothing, however, can deflect her from her destiny—and the day of reckoning looms near. When her memories return. When her magic matures. When she is forced to accept her fate.

On that day, the dark Realms will know what it means to be ruled by Witch.

My Thoughts: This is the second book in the Black Jewels series. It covers about eight hears of Jaenelle Angelline's life as she goes from a raped and traumatized twelve-year-old to a twenty year old high Queen. It also continues the story of two of the men who will be important to her: Daemon Sadi who is lost with a fragmented mind and Lucivar Yaslana who is an Eyrien Warlord Prince imprisoned in a salt mine.

Jaenelle is under the guardianship of Saetan who is the High Lord of Hell. He petitioned the Council for that right but now has to deal with a Dark Council that is being subtly manipulated by an old enemy of his who will do anything to bring him down and gain control of Jaenelle.

Meanwhile, Jaenelle is healing and learning and gathering her friends together. She is also driving Saetan crazy with her enthusiastic actions. Whatever she does though is done from a kind heart and a desire to do well by her people. She doesn't want to form her own court which is the fate of most young Queens once they embrace their jewels. She doesn't want control over other people's lives.

Jaenelle is a very, very powerful witch, black widow, and queen who controls the most powerful black jewels. She does things no other witches or magic users know how to do. However, she has trouble with the basic things that most young magic users learn to do first.

I loved watching Jaenelle grow into herself and her powers. I loved her relationship with her guardian Saetan. This is a well-crafted world filled with interesting creatures.

Favorite Quote:

"You're the High Lord."

Saetan put a hand over his heart and sighed dramatically. "Ah, someone who remembers." He sipped his yarbarah. "Actually, if you want to know how things are going, you should ask Beale or Helene or Mrs. Beale. They're the triangle who run the Hall."

"A Blood triangle always has a fourth side."

"Yes, and whenever something comes up that requires 'Authority.' they prop me up, dust me off, and plunk me in the great hall to deal with it."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.