Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra’s Last Hope
Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra’s Last Hope by Elizabeth Isaacs, is a refreshing and enchanting expedition into a fascinating and well-developed land of fantasy. Isaacs has developed interesting characters who come vividly to life on the page, as well as a funny and refreshing romance that teaches young adult’s the value of waiting until marriage for intimacy.
I absolutely love Isaac’s characters, and her pages are populated with them. There is Edna, the wonderful woman who raised her when she was abandoned at eight-years of age by her alcoholic father. There’s her love interest, Gavin, who is an Alfar, or what we would call a light-elf. He is surrounded by his family, Rena, an artistic soul who takes Nora, our heroine under her wing and teaches her the rudiments of art. There’s Tark, who is Rena’s mate and who becomes closer to Nora during some time the three spend together in the wilderness. Then there is Elias, a taciturn, but loyal friend of Gavin and finally, Elaine, Elias’ warm-hearted and fashion-savvy mate. All of these characters play ever increasing roles in the story and become key characters for the novel’s sequel.
In Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra’s Last Hope Isaac’s paints a picture of true love and mutual respect that should form the basis of any marriage. By bringing a different culture into the picture she helps highlight how our traditions should be, without throwing any stones.
Isaacs’s makes excellent use of foreshadowing, both through hints dropped throughout the novel and visions occurring at strategic moments. These events truly help to move the story along building the pace and anxiety toward its natural conclusion.
The first half of Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra’s Last Hope is very interesting and contains lots of necessary back-story and details of interest. It introduces the Dokkalfar, what we would call a dark-elf and explains their history and some of their purpose here. It shows the ongoing conflict between the two groups of man, and the spill-over to humanity. It shows that the Dokkalfar have grown stronger and can now plant their evil thoughts directly into the minds of humans. It makes you understand how critical the battle raging between the two people is. It also makes you realize how important Nora, as Gavin’s source and his one chosen love, is.
Unfortunately, Gavin’s mother has other plans for him.
The second half of the story takes place in another land, where customs and lifestyles differ and our heroine Nora finds herself striving to fit in. there are many challenges, not just for Nora but also for Gavin. Along the way it is revealed that Gavin’s “family” from his time in the human world has now become the clan of Nora and him in fact. Each member of the clan is given a key role to play in the future of the kingdom and in the very existence of the elves.
What follows is an excerpt from the book:
“Foreign woods and black silhouettes smothered out the orange; the memory so strong, adrenaline rushed through my veins. A painful spear of fear stabbed the pit of my stomach.
“When did you dream this?” he whispered.
Early this morning … Gavin, what’s going on? His blank eyes refocused; he stood and went to the window.
“When the elves of darkness find one of our kind, they track them until they find the source that feeds their power, and then they destroy the source. The evil ones cannot recognize the cause of our strength, and so they must wait until we draw from it. Love, joy,peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, patience, gentleness and selfcontrol—these are our sources of energy. We are strongest with pure love flowing through us. We can only perish if our energy is drained, until we are physically as weak as a human.” My heart jumped to my throat.
“What happened to you the morning I found you?” I had to know. I remember the pain you were in. I’ve never felt such despair. His emotions were hot and blistering, but I concentrated on listening, instinct screaming to pay attention.
“I was attacked by the Dokkalfar. We have been tracking their leader for quite a while. He came back to this area several months ago. When you said you were spending the night on campus, I stayed to make sure you were not harmed.”
Lights washed against the windows as a car pulled into the drive.
Gavin hesitated for a moment. I walked to him, putting my hand in his.
“If it hadn’t been for you, I would have died.”
“Me?” What did I do?
“You took my pain when it was unbearable. I was practically beaten to death, and your compassion gave me the strength to survive.” I just stared at him. He laced his fingers with mine.
The doorknob turned, and I jumped, my jumbled nerves were suddenly in a knot
“My family is here.” The mammoth door creaked open. Gavin kissed my forehead making my pulse speed, and self consciously, I turned to find four pairs of jewel-toned eyes staring back at me.”
Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra’s Last Hope by Elizabeth Isaacs, copyright 2010 by Elizabeth Isaacs, published by iUniverse, 1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403 http://www.iuniverse.com 1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677) eBook ISBN 978-1-4502-1703-3 $9.99; soft cover ISBN 978-1-4502-1702-6 $21.95
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