Review: Heir to the Shadows by Anne Bishop (The Black Jewels Trilogy Book II)

Synopsis: Bishop created a world where Blood Witches have always ruled, drawing males to their courts through seductive power. An ambitious High Priestess destroys more powerful females before maturity and has enslaved the strongest males, weakening magic and corrupting natural bonds between men and women. Sexual violence permeates Terreille. Jaenelle, born to be Queen, is vulnerable until adulthood. Though guarded by male Warlord Princes, Jaenelle is violated. Daemon, her destined Consort, rescues her but is convinced he attacked her and goes mad.

Jaenelle's vampiric, adoptive father, Saetan, and her foster-family of demons shelter her. To restore her memory and emotional balance, they move to Kaeleer, where Jaenelle befriends the kindred--animals with magical and communicative powers--and gathers a circle of young Queens. She also heals Lucivar, Daemon's half-brother, who offers a brother's love and a warrior's fealty. As she recovers strength and memory, Jaenelle resolves to restore Daemon and cleanse Terreille.

Review: At the end of the Book I, one of the main characters is lost in a place called the abyss, and Jaenelle, the central character, is in a coma, lost and dying. It's an intense ending and I was thankful I had Book II on hand. By the end of this book, Daemon returns and Jaenelle takes her place as Queen. I enjoyed this one more then the first as there was less sex and more humor. The interactions of Saeten and Jaenelle is hilarious. Saeten is High Lord of Hell, one of the most powerful Blood in all three realms and yet, he often gets flumuxed by the goings on his adolescent daughter and her friends. The depictions of these girls is excellent - most are powerful Queens, yet still navigating the chaos of growing up. The secondary character, while somewhat flat, are entertaining and give the story a richness and depth. The relationships between male and females are explored further, much to my enjoyment and interest. Bishop has a unique way for looking at men and women. I would recommend having Book III on hand when you finish. Once again, the story ends, but leaves you wanting more.

Bookmarks: 8 of 10

Awards: None

Date Finished: 4-3-2011
Pages: 496