Lord of the Fading Lands
by C.L. Wilson
Published my Leisure Books
Book 1 in the Tairen Soul Series
Once he drove back the darkness.
Once he loved with such passion his name was legend.
Once, driven wild with grief over the murder of his beloved, the majestic Fey King Rain Tairen Soul had laid waste to the world before vanishing into the Fading Lands. Now, a thousand years later, a new threat draws him back into the world—and a new love reawakens the heart he thought long dead.
Ellysetta, a woodcarver’s daughter, calls to Rain in a way no other ever had. Mysterious and magical, her soul beckons him with a compelling, seductive song—and no matter the cost, the wildness in his blood will not be denied.
As an ancient, familiar evil regains its strength, causing centuries-old alliances to crumble and threatening doom for Rain and his people... he must claim his truemate to embrace the destiny woven for them both in the mists of time.
RATED: 18+ CATEGORY: MOOD:
Slightly Steamy High-Fantasy Interesting
Romance
Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson is the first book in her Tairen Soul series, and is a multiple POV book. The story centers around 24 year old Ellysetta, a woodcarver's daughter, who unintentionally "calls" the King of the Fae, Rain Tairen Soul, out of the sky, discovering her truemate in the process. Rain, who has been hiding away in the Fading Lands after losing his first mate for over 1000 years, is stunned to find Ellysetta, and it throws him on a tailspin. Despite both of their trepidations, their souls will not be denied. But when old evil starts brewing, will it be enough to not only tear apart the two lovers, but destroy the Fading Lands for good.
I wish I could remember how I came upon this series. Was it BookTok? A facebook recommendation? Either way, I won't lie ... if I saw this cover in a book store, I wouldn't have picked it up. It had to be recommended to me by someone, because I flinched looking at this cover. Like truly. That is one ugly cover. But enough about that! What really matters is what is on the inside!
Did I hate it? No. Truthfully, it is a wonderfully written, well thought out novel. Very wordy, so if you are not a fan of that, I wouldn't recommend it to you, but if you like detail, it's great. Did I love it? Not really. It was definitely interesting, and it took my no time at all to read this book. The fantasy is great, and while the romance is a slow burn, and sexy moments far and few between, it was a pretty good romantic storyline. It just didn't leave me wanting to continue the series, which is a bummer. If you know me, I love a good fantasy/romance series.
If you don't mind a lengthy, detailed fantasy, and a slow burn romance, with little steam, I actually think you will enjoy this book. It just wasn't "enough" for me, which is why I won't continue the series. But the writing is top notch. Now hopefully you can ignore the cover. Because ... yikes.
Rain getting Ellysetta out of the marriage contract with Den
Ellysetta winning the game of stones, and getting to go flying (and Rain still getting his kiss)
Ellysetta telling Rain the truth, and him not judging her for it
Rain: "Ver reisa ku'chae. Kern surah, shei'tani. Your soul calls out. Mine answers, beloved."
Dorian: "Be silent. You marked a girl under questionable circumstances, forced a betrothal contract out of her parents based on that mark, and now you object because another man may have laid claim to the same girl using his own superior brand of force? Little boys shouldn't throw torches at tairen, Goodman. The tairen may get a burn, but the boys will be roasted and eaten for dinner."
Rain: "And will you grant me a boon if I win this game?"
Ellysetta: "A boon?"
Rain: "Aiyah. Surely there must be some reward for winning."
Ellysetta: "Such as what?"
He ran a finger over her lips
Rain: "A kiss, I think."
She swallowed.
Ellysetta: "A kiss?"
Rain: "I hunger for one."
Ellysetta: "How is it different from what you felt for Lady Sariel?"
Rain: "Comparing the two is like comparing the Great Sun and the Mother moon. They both shine light on the world, but one is the light itself, and the other is a reflection."
Ellysetta: "Oh."
She frowned. So which was she, the light or the reflection.
Rain: "The sun, Ellysetta. You are the sun."
Rain: "It's been too long since I've been a mate. I had forgotten the two rules."
Ellysetta: "The two rules?"
Rain: "Aiyah. Sariel taught me. Rule one: in any dispute between mates, the male is always to blame, even when he is clearly blameless. Rule two, whenever in doubt, refer to rule one."
Marissya: Must you go out of your way to annoy her?
Rain: Only when she begs to be annoyed.