Branded a rogue and sorceress, feared and hated by the people of Ephemera, Glorianna Belladonna is shunned even in her own landscapes. But more the fools are they, for Belladonna is the True Enemy of The Eater of the World. And The Eater has been busy of late, spreading fear throughout Ephemera, infecting the world, landscape by landscape. The Eater is on the move and searching for its True Enemy. Glorianna knows she's the one destined to face and defeat the shadow before It consumes Ephemera. Though she is clever, so is her enemy. It changes and shifts; sometimes corporeal, sometimes shadow and fog, eating, killing, and spreading terror. And except for the family who's her center, Glorianna stands alone. But lately she's been dreaming of a dark lover; a music man, a magician, someone who will stand with her until the end of the world.

A musician and adventurer, Michael is a man always on the move. Necessity drives him, for Michael is different -- a magician. And people fear what they can't understand, driving out those who are different. So Michael stays one step ahead of trouble by always moving on before his secret is discovered. Lately, Michael senses a change in the world, of things being out of balance, out of tune. One town at a time, he tries to drive out the darkness wherever he finds it. And Michael has been dreaming of a dark-haired lover who calls him to her side; a woman of light and darkness who can heal the fractured land.

Heart's hope. Heart's wish. Glorianna and Michael reach out blindly to one another. Sadly, Heart's journey isn't always exactly what you ask for or even necessarily what you need. Ephemera needs a Warrior of Light, but are the star-crossed lovers strong enough, faithful enough to give the land what it needs? And if they sacrifice themselves for Ephemera, will it be enough? Is Glorianna strong enough to survive all that will be needed of her, or will she disappear into darkness until only Belladonna remains?

Ephemera is a complex and riveting world. No paint-by- numbers landscapes here. BELLADONNA is the work of a master. Complicated and thought-provoking, with landscapes that welcome you...or not, depending on who you are and what your needs might be, BELLADONNA is dark and light, journeys and choices all common themes in Bishop's books. I read Anne Bishop's books over and over again and enjoy them a little more every time. I'm always making new discoveries. It's all so delicious, so inviting. A story so warm and seductive that it will reach out, wrap around you and pull you in. And before you know quite what's happened, it will be way past your bedtime!