Reader and Raelynx by Sharon Shinn

Reader and Raelynx is the final volume in Shinn's Twelve Houses series, and I hated to see this fantasy end.  (disregard the cover image which doesn't look at all like the descriptions Shinn gives of either Cammon or Raelynx)

My favorite is the very first one, Mystic and Rider, which introduces the six main characters and follows them through danger and adventure on the road as they attempt to discover who is murdering mystics.  This is a series that is best read in order because Mystic and Rider creates such a clear picture of Senneth, Tayse, Justin, Kirra, Donal, and Cammon and the tumultuous times of Shinn's realm of Gillengaria.

The successive novels (The Thirteenth House and Dark Moon Defender) feature one or more of the main characters.  The fourth and final installment has all the six characters working together again, although Cammon the mystic reader takes the forefront in this one.

Shinn's writing is vivid and her characters are complicated and full of life.  The realm of Gillengaria is believable, exciting, full of political machinations, and on the verge of war. 

I did feel the conclusion was  rushed and a bit too convenient, but still is satisfactory wrapping up of details.

  The series is comfort fantasy--the kind you like to revisit because you love the characters.  When an author can make me feel so at home in her world, I can't help but feel grateful. 

Other Reviews:  Curled Up with a Good Book; Need More Shelves;

Fiction. Fantasy. 2008.  464 pages.