In this introductory novel to the world of Alterra, the reader is introduced to an evil like few others. The Elfhunter has only one mission in life, and that is to destroy the Elven race.

Also introduced is an unlikely pair of heroines. Cousins Gaelen and Nelwyn are Wood Elves who happen upon the Elfhunter's work. Swearing vengeance for the deaths of kith and kin, they track the monstrosity far beyond the forests of their homeland. In an adventure which holds epic promise, the cousins take on new friends and enemies, all in the search of a haunting presence.

In classic fantasy tradition, Marks hurls the reader into a beautiful world made dangerous by the blackest of hearts. Although a bit slow at the beginning, the story pulls the reader through a well-constructed world and detailed events. Marks puts her audience in the scene in masterful strokes.

This read fell just short of the 5-Book rating due to shifting point of view in key scenes, and excessive use of foreshadowing. While the presence of foreshadowing may or may not bother readers-it is an individual preference-the point of view difficulties can result in mild to moderate confusion in a scene with several characters. There are other, less significant editing and formating issues, but it is my opinion this will only bother the most "nitpicky" of readers.

In the end, this was a worthy read. By the end of this novel, the reader has discovered an intriguing world worth revisiting in the upcoming sequel.

C.W.

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