What began as a witch-hunt has grown into a war between the inquisitors and their allies against the witches and Fae and anyone who opposes them. The inquisitors are determined to destroy anyone capable of magic or have power, and any place that is a wellspring of magic.
House Of Gaian Overview
As the inquisitors gain power and their followers increase in number, smaller of armies of Fae, witches and humans band together in the hopes of protecting their land, loved ones and themselves.
The witches and Fae know that their uneasy union will not be enough to stop the army of soldiers the inquisitors have recruited; especially once they discover what the inquisitors are, and the source of their power. The witches and Fae must seek assistance from the reclusive and powerful witches that rule the Mother’s Hills: The House of Gaian.
House Of Gaian Review
As the story continues, the world becomes more and more dangerous for witches, Fae and all magical creatures. The Hunter has demanded that that all Fae must aid and protect the witches or face her wrath.
A half-breed woman of Fae and witch has ascended to take the place of the Lady of the Moon: The Huntress. She has also given the Fae an ultimatum. Help the witches in the war, or she will close down the shinning roads herself, for any clans that refuse, leaving them trapped.
These two powerful women will lead the Fae and witches alike, but with the numbers of inquisitors and their warriors increasing, it is clear that they don’t have the strength or numbers to win the battle. They must travel to the Mother’s Hills and ask for help, from witches so powerful; they can create worlds, or destroy them! The witches’ creed of ‘Do No Harm’ may be put aside to save magic and for the survival of all witches and Fae.
This third and final chapter in the trilogy is fast paced and with the introduction of new and powerful characters, keeps the reader turning pages. There is a re-introduction of some of the characters from the first and second books, and Bishop continues to write poetically. The depth Bishop creates for her characters makes them come alive and stay with the reader long after the book is put down.
Overall a very good trilogy and one that is suitable for first time readers of fantasy. While it is descriptive and characters are numerous, it doesn’t overwhelm the reader with irrelevant information and sub-plots tie in nicely to the main plot. There are no lose ends and the trilogy should leave readers satisfied.
The House of Gaian was first published in 2003 by Roc and again in 2004 by HarperCollins (ISBN 978-0-732-27988-2). Bishop has written a number of books in addition to the Tir Alainn Trilogy (The Pillars of the World, Shadows and Light, The House of Gaian), including The Black Jewels Trilogy, The Invisible Ring and Dreams Made Flesh
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