Book Review

Ombria in Shadow
by Patricia McKillip

Yet another lovely book by Patricia McKillip. This one takes place in Ombria, a dying city-state that contains within it and beneath it a shadow realm, crowded with crumbling and forgotten buildings, ghosts, and other remnants of Ombria's past. Within this realm dwell Faey, an enigmatic and powerful sorceress who dwells in the shadow realm with her adopted foundling daughter Mag, supporting herself via the sale of magics to the people of Ombria. When Ombria's prince dies unexpectedly, his five year old son Kyel is left in the hands of his ancient, ambitious, and malevolent great-aunt Domina. The child's only allies are Ducon, the prince's bastard nephew, and Lydea, the prince's mistress. The political and magical intrigue that results eventually draws Mags and then Faey into it.
This novel is a wonderful, brilliantly written meditation on turning points, the relationship between hope and despair, and the power of emotional bonds.