Children of the Mist by Hywela Lyn
Book Title : Children of the Mist
Author : Hywela Lyn
Publisher : The Wild Rose Press
Genre : Science-fiction/fantasy romance
Publication Date : February 2009
ISBN : 1-60154-557-6
Pages : 247
Series : Starquest sequel
Category : Sweet
Type : e-book
Reviewer : Lindsay Townsend
5 Wings
Children of the Mist opens with vivid, heart-stopping immediacy and excitement, as Vidarh makes his way to the earth colony of Gladsheim on the planet Niflheim. He is guided telepathically by the Galdsheim woman Tamarith, a woman he looks forward to meeting in person.
Vidarh has a true hero journey, on horseback through an icy landscape of startling beauty, then on foot through caves and a labyrinth; a journey that casts him literally at the heroine’s feet.
Tamarith, dark haired (what hair!) and petite, is an engaging heroine, thoughtful and kind. Vidarh is an appealing hero (I like the way he is a red-head, too, with dark auburn curls). He starts off a little unsure of himself and his role, but reveals his original talents as the story progresses and emerges as a kind, charismatic hero.
In Children of the Mist there is also Jess and Dahll, the heroine and hero whose stories we first see unfolding in Starquest. Their stories are now continued in Children of the Mist and their star ship and more technical environment makes an excellent contrast to the farming community of Gladsheim and Niflheim.
With planets and cultures based on an intriguing blend of mythologies, history, technology and Hywela Lyn’s vivid imagination, Children of the Mist is a journey into true other worlds. The stakes are high: most of the population of Niflheim are dying of a strange disease. Worse, a mysterious force field has been set around the planet, preventing Jess and Dahll from leaving to seek help with the disease. They return to Niflheim to discover that Tamarith has been kidnapped by an unknown enemy.
Vidarh meanwhile knows he should return to his own settlement and family but he cannot stand the thought of Tamarith being taken. Although torn by the choice, he joins in the search for Tamarith’s kidnappers – most likely the ruthless slavers, the Salmarans.
Packed with excitement, adventure and cliff-hangers, Children of the Mist also has moments of profound tenderness and beauty, with stunning description of snow, ice-cats, glaciers and mountains. Telepathy features strongly through the novel and I was touched by the way Vidarh and Tamarith fell in love with, and also rescued each other, via telepathy.
September 14th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
What a wonderful review, thank you so much Lindsay, you made my day. I’m really glad you enjoyed ‘Children Of The Mist’ and am delighted with the reviw.
September 14th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
WOW LYN!!! What a great review! This book is on my TBR list, and I am GOING to get to it SOON. LOL It just sounds wonderful, exciting and like one of those books you can’t put down and want to recommend to everyone. Congratulations on your review!
Cheryl
September 14th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Fantastic review Lyn. I have read Children of the Mist and Starquest and can only add my accolades. Here here to a great friend, writer and splendid imagination.
Sharon
September 21st, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Cheryl and Sharon – thank you so much for your support and kind words! I was thrilled with this review.