Shards of Time product reviews

I am a huge fan of Lynn Flewelling and in particular her Nightrunner series. There are seven books in total and I absolutely love them all - the characters and world that the author has created is just masterful.

I received the seventh and final volume in the series for Christmas. I'm really sad to see such a great series coming to an end so it was with a heavy heart that I embarked upon Alec and Seregil's final adventure.

In this book Alec and Seregil are dispatched by the Queen, to the sacred island of Kourus to investigate the suspicious death of the governor and his mistress. Upon arriving on the island things slowly turn from bad to worse as the mystery begins to unravel and they discover just what they're up against.

I couldn't put this book down. It's a tale of murder, mystery and magic, ghosts, necromancy, dra'gorgos and demons, lots of excitement and action that's for sure! There's even a touch of humour and wit, usually at the expense of Thero (the wizard) and without giving anything away, a few surprises too which, I must admit, made me squeal with excitement.

I love the layers in this book from the many mysteries and intrigues to all the different character relationships and perspectives - it all comes together seamlessly and adds depth to the storyline.

I know the author wanted her characters to "leave while the audience is still clapping" (her words) and they definitely went out on a high. However, I would have liked a more final ending, as it is it's very open ended which will allow the author to return to this series should she wish to sometime in the future (which I really hope she does).

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy adventure but I do suggest that you start at the beginning of the series so you get the full Alec and Seregil experience - "Luck in the shadows... And in the light".