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Scions of Shadow Trilogy #2

The Quicksilver Faire

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At the dazzling Fairy High Court―fraught with enchantments and trickery―Keelie Heartwood discovers that an imbalance in magic has created a colossal rift that can destroy the world. Keelie's mixed blood (elf, human, and fae) makes her powerful, but this sixteen-year-old L.A. girl can't fix things alone. The Grey Mantle elves aren't helping at all, even though bizarre things are happening all around their village. The more Keelie learns about the magical worlds of the Northwoods-where time is unruly, nasty goblins run amok, and an ancient (and handsome) forest god is pursuing her-the more she doesn't know just whom to trust. Don't miss the other books in the popular and critically acclaimed Faire Folk Saga! "Summers's true strength is in creating a wide and colorful array of personalities to populate her stories, and The Quicksilver Faire is no exception."
―RENAISSANCE MAGAZINE

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

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276 people want to read

About the author

Gillian Summers

17 books108 followers
A forest dweller, Gillian was raised by gypsies at a Renaissance Faire. She likes knitting, hot soup, costumes and adores oatmeal, especially in the form of cookies. She loathes concrete, but tolerates it if it means attending a science fiction convention. She's an obsessive collector of beads, recipes, knitting needles and tarot cards, and admits to reading InStyle Magazine. You can find her in her north Georgia cabin, where she lives with her large, friendly dogs, obnoxious cats, and an occasional fairy.

(Gillian Summers (Georgia) is the pseudonym for co-authors Berta Platas and Michelle Roper. Both are ardent renaissance faire groupies.)

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5 stars
161 (45%)
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131 (37%)
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52 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Jan.
1,020 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2011
Oh dear. This latest installment featuring 16 year old Keelie Heartwood just never gets off the ground. One of the problems is that the Renaissance Faire setting, one of the most intriguing aspects of the previous novels in the series, is missing here. Instead, we have a high fantasy mash-up that just never comes together. And the heroine, Keely, has a most annoying habit of making inane comments right in the middle of the most dramatic and tense moments. It's supposed to remind us that she is a teen, but it just reminds us that her characterization is superficial and under-developed.
Profile Image for Julia Mikes.
127 reviews
June 7, 2015
Odd as it is, and a surprise even to me I am still not tired of Keelie Heartwood's teenage witch, er, I mean elf...I mean fairy adventures. The storyline may be haphazard as ever but it's so rich in delicious, amazing characters (from Loki aka Herne to Ermentrude the dragon mother and Vania, the bitchy fairy queen). Even the small characters are bewitching, like the Timekeeper, or Johnny O'Hare, the fiddler bunny. Oh and Knot! I can never have enough of the psycho cat ;) This may be one of the best modern fairytales out there.
Profile Image for Amaranth.
67 reviews
June 6, 2012
More secrets are revealed as well as another potential suitor for Keelie. The Quicksilver Faire was another great installation in the series. The fantastical world of the elves expanded as Keelie ventures into the High Court (the fae's home), where she meets the Shining Ones, as well as another look at Under-the-Hill. We also meet new characters, such as a God of the Forest and even a dragon. However, among these new friends/allies, Peascod creates for havoc as he comes back and threatens Keelie once again, and he is not the only one. The incorporation of these fantastical beings into the modern world as experienced by the protagonist, Keelie, which inserts a modern human voice in all this, make the book an exciting read.

The world building was amazing and I enjoyed the creativity of the placement of these mythological creatures into the modern world. This book is a bit different from the other books in that more of the story took place in the magical forests or the fae's home, but it gives the chance to see more of the world as Keelie learns more and more about her new abilities and capabilities.

However, I was a bit annoyed at the appearance of more suitors for Keelie and the description of her attraction to a couple certain magical beings. I wanted Keelie to focus on the problem at hand, not analyze the attraction she feels whenever she is around certain beings! She could be such a typical teemage girl in those moments. I also didn't like the way Keelie's sometimes let herself be pushed around by powerful beings (such as the Fae queen) and other elves even though I know she could stand up to them. I was somewhat mollified near the end when she starts to recognize her own strength, face these beings to get them to work together and do what she had set out to do. The story recongnizes Keelie's growth, both in power/ability and maturity. I can't wait for the next one :)
Profile Image for Zarah.
255 reviews69 followers
May 30, 2012
Oh gosh.
After reading these books I always want to go to the renfest... the one near me doesnt happen until october though. *sigh*
it also makes me wish I was an elf, but that's something I probably shouldnt admit so openly...ah well.

I'm just going to break it down to my likes/dislikes. (PROABABLY SPOILERS..most likely)

Dislikes:
-sean
-no special moment between the lovebirds. (until the end and even then...)

likes:
-sean (i know, i know.)
-Herne. Yeah I was starting to like him better than sean. Probably not the best idea
-knot and coyote were lovely, as always! :)

The why:
I didnt like sean, becasue I felt like there was nothing about him. he was just there. BUT i liked him too. It'd be stupid not too. they'll end up together.
And I see he does care about her. (And i got why the relationship was disconnected, but just cause I got it doesnt mean I liked it. haha) hopefully now that is resovled they'll be more couple stuff in the next book.. yeah?

Herne. ahahah. I pretty sure the only thing I dont like are picturing the antlers. I wouldnt be against him and keelie. ah. but I can probably imagine the role he'll play in the next book. (im assuming he's in the next one.)

I dont have to explain my like of knot and coyote.

One more small like/dislike: I like that she was kind of on her own, but I missed her dad! haha.
Profile Image for theCannibalGirl.
12 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2011
I have loved this series since the beginning. Keelie Heartwood is a great character. She is full of love and angst and the very real feelings of a teenager. Peascod (the evil villain from the first Scions of Shadow book) is up to his usual tricks, bring chaos and discord in his wake. This book you learn more about Keelie's 'fae' side and what the fae themselves are like. There's an amazing forest god named Herne who wants her to be his consort. Herne is the King of the Underworld. The Underworld is home to dwarves, goblins and many more creatures. I was hoping against all hope that Keelie would ditch Sean and go for Herne, but that just didn't happen. Elia is still pregnant. Knot is still a lovable pain and Coyote is as mysterious as ever. There are dragons, sword fighting and double crossing. I hoped for more Sir Davey and dear Zeke. Hopefully in next book when they return to Colorado.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
135 reviews2 followers
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August 21, 2012
The only problem with finishing a great book in a trilogy is when it's not the last one and you have to wait! Dragons, fairies, and the unmentioned theme of earth's preservation make Keelie Heartwood's life complicated, but luckily she has many friends! I can't wait to see what comes in Goblin's Curse!!

As I've said recently, I'm rereading the series now that Goblin's Curse is out. And, again, I LOVE this series. Questions answered and raised, characters growing and changing in so many good ways, new and amazing characters introduced, and another contender for Keelie's affections. And, because of her, I want my own Spider Goblin. I'd never have to worry about trash again. Happy reading, everyone!
Profile Image for Liz.
48 reviews
August 3, 2011
The second book in the Scions of Shadows trilogy is just as good as the first book. There is a connected set of challenges that keeps the readers guessing until the very end. The villains are evil, but so are the good guys. You don't know who to trust until the moment when their loyalties are tested. There are magical realms, joys, terrors, and thrills. I couldn't put it down!

Cover: Like the first book in the series there is a sense of mystery and fear on the cover. You have to pick up the book to discover its secrets.
Profile Image for Amanda.
53 reviews24 followers
March 9, 2016
Back to a faire, a Fairy faire with the predictable type of mischievous, stuck up fairies, and snooty elves. Really, I was getting tired of how Keelie was *always* looked as less than by the elves. Why are they so bent on pure-blood? Especially since they're a dying breed and most are infertile. Even Elia was snubbed because she married the wrong sort of elf. Not elf enough for them. Other than that, it was interesting, fast paced, and fun, but still seemed like Keelie had all the answers too easily.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
222 reviews82 followers
July 7, 2011
Ths evil Peascod is up to his old tricks but he has new diabolical plans. Though Keelie believes her diplomatic mission in Canada will be easy it turns more dangerous than she thought.While there Keelie must deal with new allies and surprises she was never prepared for. Just unbelievable, the best fantasy book, yet in The Faire Folk Saga.You really must get yourself a copy.
Profile Image for Michelle.
3,739 reviews32 followers
June 16, 2015
Appropriate for: age 14+
You will like this book if you like: Magic, elves/fairies, strong female characters

I am sick of Peascod being the villain (a change would be nice), but still a good book. No swear words (yay)
Profile Image for Valarie Kinney.
Author 17 books68 followers
July 10, 2016
These books just get more enjoyable and entertaining as they go! I like seeing Keelie's growth and maturity in this one compared to the first two books, and the dragon was fantastic. I hope Ermentrude sticks around, she's a great character.
824 reviews
October 23, 2012
a little disappointing but good. our heroine again have to save rude elves skins and other people too. and agian she get no thanks for risking her life for the common good.
13 reviews
April 4, 2014
This book is about how other characters judge the main character. She doesn't fit in anywhere, but she stands up for what is right.
99 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2015
Ugh. Love triangle. Too powerful keelie becomes. faerie world is interesting. Nice fairs. Don't like end, villain was ass-pull.
Profile Image for Amy.
388 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2016
I really enjoy this series. This one was a little darker than I prefer, but the fight against the darkness was full of action and drama.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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