Belladonna (Ephemera Series #2) by Anne Bishop

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The Barnes & Noble Review
Anne Bishop, author of the wickedly erotic Black Jewels trilogy (Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, et al.), explored new ground with 2006's Sebastian, a fantasy with a decidedly more romantic and upbeat slant that focused on the ongoing spiritual battle between light and darkness in Ephemera, a sprawling realm of thousands of different ever-changing landscapes interconnected by ethereal bridges that may or may not take travelers to their intended destinations. In Belladonna, the second and concluding installment of the Ephemera duology, the realm's landscapes are increasingly falling into shadow. Evil incarnate, known as the Eater of the World, is continuing its dark mission by tainting entire landscapes and planting seeds of dementia and despair in people's minds. The only person strong enough to stand up against the Eater is Glorianna Belladonna, a sorceress with unparalleled magical ability. But if she ever hopes to defeat her all-powerful nemesis, she must join forces with a mysterious musician with magical abilities of his own…

Powered by a variety of compelling spiritual themes -- faith, transformation, mortality, etc. -- Bishop's Ephemera stories are comparable in many ways to recent acclaimed genre releases like The Crooked Letter by Sean Williams, The Traveler by John Twelve Hawks, and, particularly, Victoria Strauss' Way of Ârata duology (The Burning Land and The Awakened City). Fantasy fans who enjoy profound and compelling story lines should definitely check out this highly entertaining and subtly philosophic duology ("Love isn't just something you feel. It's something you do.") that showcases Bishop's softer side. Paul Goat Allen

From the Publisher

The thrilling follow-up to Sebastian.

The Eater of the World continues to spread its dark influence across the realm of Ephemera, corrupting people's souls with doubts and fears. Only Glorianna Belladonna possesses the ability to thwart the Eater's plans. But she has been branded a rogue, and must stand alone against the encroaching entity.

But she is not alone. In dreams, a call has traveled throughout Ephemera-"Heart's hope lies within Belladonna"-and reached Michael, a man with mysterious powers of his own. It awakens a fierce hunger within him to find the dark-haired sorceress he's dreamt of-a beautiful woman named Belladonna. Together, they may be Ephemera's only hope.

Jackie Cassada - Library Journal

In the world of Ephemera, the Eater of the World is slowly destroying its many landscapes. The only person who has the power to stop the Eater, Glorianna Belladonna is called a rogue and is feared by those who do not understand her power over the land. A mystical call goes out, however, and reaches a man called Michael, who arrives driven to find the mysterious woman at the heart of his dreams. Set against a unique fantasy background and filled with intriguing characters, this sequel to Sebastianis another tale of enchanted worlds that belongs in most libraries.

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