The Company of Shadows (The Healer's Shadow) - Zoe Brooks

It's been several years since she last did any healing. Yet, Judith is seemingly content. She has a family and a successful perfume business. But then a plague hits Pharsis and very few people are surviving. Is there a plant that she can use to help heal? If there is she hasn't found it - is there a cure for the plague?

Then tragedy strikes, one that finds Judith leaving the plague ridden city behind her and heading to the Forest. It will be an arduous journey and costly. But she must do it for the sake of her two boys.

The beautiful woman is dreading this visit. Her previous travels, with her now dead Shadow Sarah, took them to the Forest, but they avoided seeing the 'wise-woman'. A woman that Judith's husband called Grandma. What is it about seeing this wise old woman that Judith dreads? What doesn't she want to face?

Upon reaching their destination the real journey is about to begin. When illness strikes her son Jo, Judith is tested to the limit. The plant she saw in a dream can only be found on a mountain side in her homeland - a place she fears to go back to because it will mean two things - meeting her much hated Aunt and death. Will she be able to make this journey? How much longer can she ignore a conversation with Grandma and how will Peter, an ex-Shadow fit into her new life?

The author brings Judith's tale to a powerful and moving conclusion where many answers are given to questions raised in her previous novels. The would-be healer's life has been one filled with many ups and downs. The hardships she endured continue but there is always that ray of hope that things will turn out well. With continued eloquence, the author has not let her style slip from either the first story Girl in the Glass or second book Love of Shadows. Judith's stoicism, love and loyalty continue to be her support in the face of adversity. With one trial after another, is she able to save her son, find peace with the death of her shadow and finally live a happy and peaceful life?

The final installment to this 'Shadows' trilogy doesn't fail to impress. Judith's trek to her homeland brings the story full circle with an almost quiet ending but one filled with so much passion and optimism that I finished the book with a smile on my face. This trilogy is in a genre that I wouldn't readily pick up but I'm so glad that I took a chance. The author has created a tough, heartbreaking, loving, passionate and thought-provoking world. I have thoroughly enjoyed Judith (Anya's) journey. A highly recommended read.

NB. This book can be read alone but would mean so much more if Book 1 and 2 were read first.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.