Cianan is the Lady’s Champion, a Guardian of the Light. He is drawn to the kingdom of Shamar, a long way from his Elven home in Poshnari-Unai, by a dream he has been having repeatedly of a woman fighting and dying. He knows in his gut that he must aid this woman and try to save her life. When he finally meets the woman in his dreams, Maleta, he realizes that she is his elingrena, his Heart, the other part of his soul and he will do anything to protect her.

In this strange land of Shamar Cianan quickly learns that it’s monarch Queen Sunniva is not the nicest person or a responsible ruler. In fact she is selfish, self-centered and paranoid that her power will be taken. There are two peoples of Shamar, the Shamaru a gypsy type people, and the Shamari people who live and towns and farms. Queen Sunniva is systematically hunting down the Shamaru and working to increase the antagonism between the Shamari and the Sharmaru.

Maleta, has been battered by life and is on a sacred quest. She has pledged herself to Hedda, the Shamar goddess of judgment and balance who weighs the soul. She is charged with carrying out Hedda’s will for balance, be the task for light or dark. But during the journey she and Cianan are on to get the two peoples of Shamar to put aside their differences to rise up and put an end to Queen Sunniva’s rein of terror and genocide, Maleta faces the fact that she is a Guardian of the Light and would be unable to create the balance Hedda wants if it meant fighting for the darkness. And then there is Cianan, always there, even when she doesn’t want him to be. Always comforting and understanding of her. But can she trust men again or at least this man to let her heart be free?

Hedda’s Sword is book 2 of Renee Wildes Guardians of the Light series.

Read this book, read this book, READ THIS BOOK! (Oh and read the first book in the series also. The review for Duality by Susiq2 can be found here http://www.ecataromance.com/?p=608)

From the first instant you begin reading Hedda’s Sword you are drawn in. Renee Wildes has created a full rich well developed world of magic and might. Good versus Evil, but with the Grey element as well. I often had the feeling that I was reading something awesome and epic like Lord of the Rings. It is a read where you just know you are completely hooked on this author for life.

Do, do, read Duality first. You could probably follow this storyline on its own without reading the first book, but part of the fun of a good series is starting at the beginning and seeing how all your favorites develop.

Enjoy, and keep you eyes open for books 3 and 4 in the Guardians of the Light series, which are supposed to be called Lycan Tides and Riever’s Heart. I know I’ll be eagerly awaiting them.

Filed Under: December 2008 Reviews Samhain Publishing	About the Book: Genre: fantasy ISBN: 9781605043715 Price: $ 5.50 Reviewer: Karen
	Sensuality Rating: Sensuous Star Rating: 5 Stars