Mage of Clouds

Publishers Weekly

In Farrell's second richly imagined Cloudmages fantasy (after 2003's Holder of Lightning), the younger generation takes center stage. It's been almost 20 years since the mage-lights returned to the sky and Meriel MacEagan's mam, Jenna, found L mh Sh bh la, the mage-stone that reawakened the other clochs. With it, Jenna has become the Banrion of Inish Thuaidh and has managed to form an uneasy truce with the other Tuathaan. But the old R Ard is dying, and his successors-Jenna's half brother Doyle Mac Ard and the R Ard's daughter Edana-are more than willing to reopen the war with the Inishlanders. And while L mh Sh bh la and its holder may be too powerful to attack directly, her family is not. The author deftly manages Meriel's journey from the sheltered and innocent Banrion's daughter of the book's opening chapters to the grounded and powerful woman she will become-and from hostage to healer. Intriguing, fully developed characters abound. This entry can only enhance Farrell's reputation as one of the rising stars of Celtic fantasy. (Jan. 1) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

VOYA

In this sequel to Holder of Lightning (DAW, 2003/VOYA June 2003), Jenna is still First Holder of Lambh Shabhala, the most potent of a group of magical stones called clochs that grant terrifying powers to those who possess them. Jenna's teenage daughter, Meriel, desires nothing more than an ordinary life after seeing the pain and mental anguish that this kind of power brings her mother. But Jenna worries that her enemies might strike at her through her daughter. Against her will, Meriel is sent away to be trained as a cloud mage in an effort to keep her safe. One of these enemies, Jenna's half-brother, Doyle, has long nursed a bitter desire for vengeance against Jenna, who was forced to destroy his father in a battle for possession of Lambh Shabhala. Doyle covets the power of the stone and kidnaps Meriel, holding her ransom in an attempt to force Jenna to relinquish the stone. But Meriel manages to escape, and in her journey back to safety she learns how to use the healing power of her own cloch. Her future now calls her to use this power not to wage war but to bring reconciliation and peace. As in all good fantasy writing, character development is the key ingredient that brings originality to a story and elevates it from mere formula. Meriel's journey of self-discovery and the growth of her character are what capture readers' interest and enhance a wonderfully imaginative plot. It is also refreshing to read a story in this genre that features a strong, powerful young woman, which will have great appeal to teen girls who enjoy fantasy. VOYA Codes 4Q 4P S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12;Adult-marketed book recommended for Young Adults). 2004, DAW, 514p., Ages 15 to Adult.
—Jan Chapman

Library Journal

With the return of the mage-lights, cloudmagic has once more come back to the realm of Inish Thuaidh. Jenna MacEagan holds the master stone, able to reawaken the other stones of power that control magic, but she faces a host of enemies determined to destroy her-and control her daughter. Farrell creates a world filled with Celtic flavor and richly inventive back history and peoples it with strong male and female characters. Amid scenes of sorcerous rivalries and political maneuverings runs a story of a mother's love for her child and a woman's loyalty to her land and her magic. This sequel to Holder of Lightning is a strong addition to fantasy collections. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.