Book Review: Ombria in Shadow

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Ombria in Shadow     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Patricia A. McKillip
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Ace, Jan 2002, $22.99, 309 pp.

Ombria is a city in trouble and its inhabitants know it. The ruler Royce Greve has died, leaving behind his heir, the child prince Kyel. However, serving as regent is Domina Pearle, an evil and ageless being, intending to rule with an iron fist. She practices the black arts and uses the sorcery of the shadow city to kill people.

The sorceress Faey has an assistant Mag, a curious young woman who likes to go into the city proper to spy on its inhabitants. A chance encounter with Domina Pearle makes Mag determined to keep the young prince alive along with his loving uncle Dicon. When Mag goes too far and is caught in Domina Pearl's clutches Faey travels to Ombria, causing a catastrophe of epic proportions.

OMBRIA IN SHADOWS is a beautiful lyrical fantasy, an adult fairy tale that makes no pretenses as to whom is whom when the forces of good battle those of evil. Patricia A. Mckillip has such a vivid imagination that readers will believe that the author has written about a place she actually visited. Readers will want more visits to the magical realm of Ombria.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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