The Pillars of the World (Tir Alainn Series #1) by Anne Bishop

From the Publisher

National bestselling author Anne Bishop's novels have been praised as "genuine gems" (SF Site) and "lavishly sensual" (Library Journal). Now, she unveils an exciting new universe in her most powerful, provocative story to date...

The young witch Ari finds herself torn between the world of mortals and the world of the Fae-for the roads between the two lands are vanishing into thin air...

"A storyteller of stunning intensity." (Romantic Times)

VOYA

Raped, tortured, and killed, the witches of Sylvalan are disappearing quickly. Adolfo, an evil man bent on revenge for the cruelties done to him by his witch mother, is determined to kill every witch in the kingdom. Financed by the gentry and assisted by a handpicked army, a witch hunt begins that threatens the Fae, or fairy, world as well as the human world. When the hunt reaches Brightwood, however, a young witch named Ari might find assistance from the Fae—or be killed by them first. Ari herself is caught between conflicting loyalties when she takes a Fae lover for Midsummer Night and receives a marriage proposal from a human friend. As the Fae work to determine the mystery behind the legends of the Pillars of the World, Ari unravels her own mystery, the legacy of her ancestry. The unfolding answers impact Ari's decision and the future of a disappearing world. Highly reminiscent of Harlequin romances, this novel nevertheless delivers fast-paced adventure, a winsome heroine, and a satisfying conclusion. Although mired in formulaic good-versus-evil roles, some secondary characters are sufficiently intriguing to merit chronicles of their further adventures. Bishop's novel is an entertaining read, but graphic descriptions of sex and violence make it best suited for mature teens. VOYA CODES: 3Q 4P S A/YA (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2001, Roc, 420p, $6.99 pb. Ages 15 to Adult. Reviewer: Rebecca Van Dan SOURCE: VOYA, February 2002 (Vol. 24, No.6)

KLIATT

From the first scene of this story of high fantasy we are drawn into a world in trouble. Certain roads between Tir Alainn, the realm of the Fae (Faerie), and the mortal realm, are mysteriously closing. Clan dwelling places are disappearing, and wanderers, both human and Fae, who venture onto those roads as they are closing never come home again. Who is causing this destruction, and why? Who hates both Fae and mortals so much that he (she?) will see both destroyed? Could it be the small folk of legend? These elves, dryads, trolls, dwarves, and the like have never seemed to hate anyone; they're just sort of amoral. Dianna, Fae huntress and Lady of the Moon, asks her Bard, Aiden, and the Storyteller, Lyrra, to look for answers, and they don't like what they hear. There is one type of human, generally a female, who has some power and some magic. She is a friend of the small folk and a protector of the waters and trees in which they live. She is just different enough from ordinary mortals to be feared and hated by them. She is called wiccanfae—witch. One type of human actually hates witches enough to destroy them, and has enough mortal power to do it. This is the Inquisitor, who spreads rumors about witches that are fantastic lies, but with enough truth to mislead weaker folk into informing against women who mean only well. Bishop includes just enough shape-changing, sexual situations, and innuendoes to appeal to a YA audience without offending most parents. These situations are not over-simplified, either, and will also appeal to adult fans of the genre. Not an introduction to fantasy, or for very young YAs, but quite readable for the right audience. Category: Science Fiction, Fantasy &Horror. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2001, Penguin Putnam, Roc, 420p., Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Judith H. Silverman; Chevy Chase, MD

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