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.

Love of Shadows - Zoe Brooks

Continuing on from Girl in the Glass (see previous review), Judith is reeling from the death of Elma - the perfumier who welcomed both her and her Shadow, Sarah without question.

Now with their friend, confidant and teacher gone, they are left wondering when the police will come knocking. The ignoble doctor has his suspicions about Judith using her knowledge of herbs etc to aide Elma's passing but as she rightly points out, her mother died when she was young so how can she know which remedy to heal the cancerous pain rippling through her mentor's body?

Left alone, they take over the business and begin in earnest to build up the clientele and expand their range - creams, soaps - but they must travel to build up supplies. Besides increasing business, both Judith and Sarah have to take heed to the increasing animosity towards women who are healers. Echoes of Elma's suggestion that Judith can and should become a healer worry them. On their travels to find new scents and healing herbs they meet Joseph who was once a Shadow. Is it possible for a Shadow to become human? After tragedy strikes, Judith meets Bruno - a Forest man, handsome, large, strong and who is aware of what it is to be a healer after all his Grandmother is one. Despite pushing him away, Bruno captivated by her, promises to meet her back in Pharsis.

Events take a turn for the worse as students from the University turn on Shadows - beating them up without mercy. Created by a Doctor Julius, Judith assists him and a brave few to tend to the wounded in a makeshift hospital; Dr. Julius using science and Judith more traditional herbal remedies. Fraught with frustration and fear, Judith continues the dangerous practice whilst Bruno helps out on the stalls. Will she and Bruno succeed as a couple? Is the protection of Shadows more important than her own life?

The Healer Trilogy continues with another heartfelt story. Laced with courage and compunction, Judith is as strong as ever, Sarah still logical and clear thinking. New characters are introduced and those met briefly in the first book are given a more prominent role. Questions raised in the previous book are answered and Brooks' style is easy and her descriptions vivid as ever. This is a love story that is almost buried by student angst, death and survival. The end is no cliff hanger but just a gentle ending to a busy story.

A great second installment. Brooks' characters have matured and there is a constant desire/wish for Judith and Sarah to succeed. They don't have an easy life but as I continued reading, I understood that a lot of it was Judith not believing in herself and that her past life/childhood has had a greater impact than first realized. As much as he's not described as a nice man, I had a lot of respect for The Rottweiler and the introduction of Bruno and his ability to stand up to and for Judith was pleasing. Last time I didn't identify with Judith and Sarah, this time I'm more in tune with them and am looking forward to the final journey. A highly recommended read.

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.

Girl in the Glass - Zoe Brooks

“I will have to say it: 'I am Anya and I am nothing'. I will look down at the floor as I say it, so that I don't see the smile on my aunt's face, so she won't see the defiance in my eyes. She will get her victory. She always wins these battles. I know it, she knows it. But one day, one day she will not.”

Anya, orphaned at a young age lives under the harsh rules of her Aunt along with Eva, her Shadow. Her aunt efficient in her punishments takes it too far and Anya needs to break free. But does she have that inner strength, is she really able to escape? Living in a desert landscape where she is treated as a slave, Anya longs to be cherished. Punished for the final time by having to have an arranged marriage to a brutish man, Anya and Eva make their escape.

Despite the harsh environment of the desert, they make it across to the neighboring town. There, they change their names and Anya sadly thinks that maybe she is nothing after all. With all the hardships thrown at them - poverty, lack of food, no home - they succeed only for it to be threatened. Will Anya ever feel that she belongs and more importantly, be loved and cherished?

A remarkable and captivating story, Anya's plight to leave her Aunt's ferocity behind and start a new life is so absorbing. Told from the young girl's point of view, Brooks has created a character who shows such determination and courage despite being so mistreated that it is inspiring. The other people met are just as well defined and add so much depth and realism to this novel.

Although Brooks is not explicit in where the story is set, it does not detract from Anya and Eva's plight. I really enjoyed this and read it in less than a day. I didn't identify with the characters as such but it didn't matter as they all combined to make a fascinating story. Brooks style and language is easy and flows seamlessly from one chapter to the next. As the first in a trilogy, Girl in the Glass left me with some questions - what happened to Frank, the man they met in the forest and is her Aunt looking for her? All of which I'm sure will be answered in Love of Shadows, due to be published in summer 2012. I look forward to it. A recommended read.

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