C S Watts

The Ravenstones C S Watts

The Ravenstones is a story of light and darkness, good and evil, intrigue and ambition, loyalty and deception. For the reader who loves fantasy, it has every essential element: colorful characters in a parallel universe, humor, plot twists and turns and - best of all - a satisfying ending. Volume 3 continues the saga, introduced in Eirwen and Fridis and The Invasion of Aeronbed.

Eirwen, the polar bear, has accepted the charge to lead the bears of Heimborn in revolt against their oppressors, the big cats of Aeronbed. His road to victory will require every ounce of patience, cunning and ingenuity he can muster. Although he must confront a determined and vicious enemy, often it is his own side that presents the greatest impediment to his success.

Fridis, having reached new heights of fame in Blakfel, has set herself new goals, ones requiring immediate travel to the southern reaches of Arundati. It is a trip that opens her eyes to the mystery of the magic Ravenstones. But the powers that be in Vigmar's capital, the Empress Dona Morana and her key advisor, Gloton are determined to undercut her ambitions at every turn.

Volume 3 of The Ravenstones introduces the reader to Aeronbed's big cats, most notably, the courageous lioness, Olwen, daughter to King Albiorix, and Eisa, the insightful panther, estranged from his Black Legion comrades and mentor, the scheming Baron Rithild. Olwen has received the gift of a prophecy, but she must figure out its meaning and learn how to benefit from that knowledge. She eventually turns to Eisa for help; he turns out to be just the right cat.

Chance meetings, foul weather, an unexpected ailment and the magic of the Ravenstones come to bear on our heroes' struggles. Meanwhile the paths of a colorful cast of supporting characters intertwine, some to help, some to hinder those struggles - the loyal gyrfalcon, Aeron-Urd, his faithful assistant, Raicho, the unscrupulous fox, Vulpé, the naive mountain goat, Haidar, the grasping badger, Piro and the Sesteros family of peregrine falcons, trying to escape a world at war.