The woods play a big role in the Tir Alainn series by Anne Bishop, so I thought I would illustrate my blog with one of my favorite tree photos. — Photo by Pat Bean
Across the bridge and into the woods, just like in “Shadows and Light.” — Photo by Pat Bean
“The gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge.” – Albert Einstein
I Kept Turning Pages
I’m a bit groggy today. It could be because I stayed up way too early – like until around 3 a.m. – to finish reading Anne Bishop’s “Shadows and Light,” the second in her Tir Alainn trilogy.
I only discovered Anne last month when I was browsing the science fiction and fantasy section of the local library. I’m always looking for good fantasy books and new authors. And after I had read the first in this series, “The Pillars of the World,” I was hooked on Anne.
The main characters are the Fey and Witches – and strong women. What’s so fun about the creativity allowed in fantasy writing is that Anne’s characterization of Witches and the Fey are quite different from how other authors portray them.
It reminds me of the many different King Arthur versions floating around out there. My all time favorite is Mary Stewart’s Merlin series that begins with “The Crystal Cave,” published in 1970. I was a big fan of Mary long before that, hooked on her historical fiction, with mystery thrown into the mix.” I think I read just about everything Mary ever wrote, including “Nine Coaches Waiting, “My Brother Michael” and Moonspinners.
Just thinking about Mary makes me want to go and revisit some of her work, particularly the Merlin books. But then there’s also my desire to read Anne’s third book in the Tir Alainn trilogy, “The House of Gaian,” – and her other books as well. I find that if I like one book by an author, I usually like their almost everything they write.
I wonder how much sleep I really need?
The Wondering Wanderer’s blog pick of the day.
Bean’s Pat: Life’s Total Immersion http://tinyurl.com/c23slef This blogger better expressed some of my own thoughts about why I like fantasy.
Pat Bean's blog 
Love the tree. It reminds me of a weeping willow, but more colorful.
Thanks Bob.
Being a follower of Penny, she is definitely worth a a follow. She has a book published as well on the kindle (The Shy Butterfly) which can help kids and adults to overcome adversity.
Not sure if I have told you that you are on my “Blogs I Read” page? http://kattermonran.com/blogs-i-read/blogs-m-p/ As you were kind enough to advertise me at one point, and I still thank you for that
Glad you second my choice on Penny, and thanks for your plug for my blog. I appreciate it. I find it interesting that the same people whose blogs I like often follow the same blogs as I do. Penny is just one example Alastair.
I loved all the Mary Stewart books, too, so maybe I should give Anne Bishop a try.
There’s nothing quite like staying up till 3am reading! 😀
Thank you for the Bean Pat. It looks like you and I not only share a passion for nature but also one for fantasy/sci fiction. Some of the favorites you mentioned I love also. I hope you’ll continue to share, if you discover some other new ones, I’m always on the look out for new sci-fi to read! Hope your weekend is being a great one for you, Penny 🙂