The war between the Dark Heart and the Bright Heart has been raging since the start of the world, and many warriors have fought and died on both sides; but among those who serve Lernan and stand against the darkness, Erin, half-mortal great-granddaughter of the Bright Heart, is unique. Warrior and healer, her nature is conflicted, for she feels the pain of ally and enemy alike; and though she is called to heal pain where she finds it, she is unable to tap her true potential save when her life is in peril.

Nonetheless, when the First Servant of Lernan bestows upon her the office of Sarillorn, sole vessel of the god's power, Erin accepts. She cannot know that even the First of Lernan pities the path Erin must walk: She is captured by Stefanos, First Servant of the Enemy, a being who derives power from the pain of the victims he tortures. Mystified as to why Stefanos continues to leave her alive, she gradually learns more than she wishes about the immortal man who is slowly engulfing the world in darkness. Taken into the heart of the dark city of Rennath, she sees the evil delivered by Stefanos' hand. Nonetheless, Erin fears for the conquered slaves, not for herself -- except when she is in Stefanos' presence, for she is drawn to him despite the darkness at his core... or, perhaps, because of it. As time passes, Erin begins to learn of the light within the heart of darkness... and of the darkness within the light.

This re-publication of Mrs. West's first novel is a particularly interesting read for those familiar with her later works. The beginnings of the rich, complex style seen in her Sun Sword series are evident in Into the Dark Lands, as well as her thematic exploration of the blurred line between good and evil. Although her style has clearly matured over the years, readers will find little with which to take umbrage in this "younger" work of literature. Though Erin, as a heroine, is less moving than she might be, the story in which she is caught up is sufficiently intriguing to make up for any awkwardness on the part of Erin's character. Stefanos is far more compelling, and masterfully presented to be both protagonist and antagonist simultaneously.

Be warned: This is not a light read, and Mrs. West does not pull punches. The world she paints is a harsh one, and the tone of this book is very dark. However, in keeping with its theme, the darkness is not unmitigated, and the final pages mingle hope with dread. It is a recipe sure to bring readers back for the second and third installation of the trilogy.