Great story even (like me) you've never read other Witch World books. Eleeri is a strong character, deals with what life gives her, willing to pay fairly for what she receives, open to friendship & happiness, without being at all pious or mopey. ( )

My favorite Witch World story - well, my favorite collaboration and among my favorites set in that world. McConchie really meshes well with Norton. I like Eleeri - she as a person, her reasons for crossing into Witch World, the way she deals with things there - she's great. The situation she steps in to and the caution and questions from all sides (hers, the hold, the Green Valley, the keplians...) are all very realistic - neither instant fellowship nor unreasonable fear/rejection. I love the Keplians, too - the entire concept is wonderful. Especially the way an established race was dealt with and greatly expanded (thank you, Lyn!). The part with the mist people was kind of irrelevant (she already held the hold, they could have given it to her for that alone without the ancient connections), but not bad. Love it. ( )

This is one of the very first fantasy novels that I bought years ago just after it came out. The storytelling in the book draws one into the tale and the characters seem very real with all thier flaws and strengths.