reviewsbyerin

In May 2009 I read my first book by T.L. Higley, called "Shadow of Colossus." Three and a half years later, "Isle of Shadows" is the revised and updated version under a new publisher. I have really loved each of Tracy's Seven Wonders novels, and I was very excited to have the opportunity to go back to the island of Rhodes and 227 BC.

Tessa of Delos is a hetaera, a political consort to one of the most powerful men on the island. She's a possession, with a heart which wants to be stone in order to escape the pain of years of being used for the gain of others. Just when she's ready to end it all, an accident allows her a glimmer of freedom. It will require the greatest performance of her life, and require her to trust, which might be more difficult than fooling the rest of the world.

Nikos has come to Rhodes to spy out the political scene for the father he only recently came to know. His mission quickly becomes derailed by unfolding events, and his heart entangled by the beautiful but hard woman he is coming to know. Spiro is hungry for power and will stop at nothing to gain control of the island. Simeon is a humble and loyal servant who wants to see Tessa's heart freed by the power of the One True God his forefathers have worshipped for centuries. These men will help shape Tessa's future, for good or bad.

When I read the book three years ago, I noted that its weakest point was the technical aspect of the novel. The revision has completely taken care of this issue! The flow was smooth and the characters even more engaging than I recall. The plot is full of twists to keep you guessing, and I found the number of references of the Colossus to be perfect. In short, I enjoyed this even more than I did before, and its update accurately conveys the growth I had observed in Higley's more recent releases.

This book released today and is available at all your major book outlets. I received my copy from BookSneeze in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.