Links: Sharon Lee's Blog / Steve Miller's Blog / Show Official Info /

Rebecca Beauvelly is considered by her family to be ruined beyond redemption. She had accepted a ride from a young man and when he lost control of his carriage she managed to stop the run away horses but the young man was killed and she sustained serious injuries that resulted in one arm being withered. Her younger, prettier sister cannot be allowed to marry until after Rebecca marries. Her father has found her a husband in Sir Jennet Hale who cared more for the dowry that would help him maintain his estate than for Rebecca. Then unexpectedly, Rebecca is introduced to Altimere of the Elder Fey and is offered another choice. But, as we all know, offers from the fey are seldom as straightforward as they may appear and Rebecca may find that her choices may not be as different as they at first appear.

Sharon Lee and Steve Miller are adept at creating characters and societies that, no matter how removed from our own experiences, seem as real as those in our own world. The world of Faliance is one where magic exists and science is kept under strict regulation -- some mechanical inventions are allowed and others forbidden. There is trade between the fey and humans but there is also a barrier between these two lands to limit interactions. Even though there is trade between the two lands, there is little true understanding of one culture by the other.

The point of view changes between Rebecca and a fey Ranger, Meripen Longeye. Meripen was placed in a healing sleep years ago to recover from wounds received when he crossed the barrier dividing the two lands and was captured by humans. He's been awakened from his healing sleep to find that the world has changed during the many years that he slept. He is our guide to the fey, and it is though him that we come to understand that not all the fey are united in their view of humans. We also get a feel for the internal politics of the fey and the relationship between some of the major fey characters.

While Duainfey is primarily Rebecca's story, there is no clear cut ending. The story will continue as the threads begun in this story continue to play out among the political wrangling and power plays of fey and humans. How our main characters will play a part in these maneuvers for power and glory are yet to be seen, but they are sure to be entertaining as well as exciting. Based on Duainfey, I feel that this is a series to watch for.

Last: Burning Bridges (Retrievers, Book 4) / Next: East of the Sun and West of Fort Smith