Brought by OBS founder Dawn

Summary
Years ago, Anastasica left the faery world with her children to protect them. Anastasica and her 3 children, Thewlis, Inocian and Amavia, live with her husband Sir Henry Braun. Anastasica receives a letter telling her that her faery daughter, Amavia, will be taken back to their world.

While playing in the garden near the Grandmother Tree, the children see little pixies and faeries. The little people claim they need the children to help them by coming to Mieradom which is the royal universe of the faeries. “The Light” (which is used to keep nature’s cycles running smoothly) has been stolen from the faery world and they believe Amavia knows where it is hidden. Their whole world is in jeopardy and they are desperate to find what they need.

The children agree to go with them and they experience numerous adventures as they learn who they are and what part they play in the future of Mieradome.

Review
I was initally drawn in by the unique and clever names of the characters. The plot is quickly revealed and you are immersed in the world of Mieradome where royal families battle for control.

Amavia is a multilayered character who must choose to embrace her destiny as it is slowly revealed. As young as she is (15), she manages to handle things fairly well. I felt her fear and frustration as she grew and struggled with her new postion. At each turn, I was impressed with her maturity and ability to think of others. I could easily imagine the difficulty of having your whole life turned upside down in an instant.

Sometimes, the book has a too many characters and at times I found it difficult to keep them straight.

On the other hand, the plot is clearly laid out and the characters are brought to life through detailed descriptions, down to what each one wears and their titles in the faery world. Each race is richly described so that we understand their function in Mieradome.

As for the faery world of Mieradome, it is elaborately detailed in a way that I can picture it in my head. I found myself having to reread certain parts just to take it all in, though the 2nd part of the book was a bit much, but it does take you deeper into Amavia’s life once she is firmly rooted in Mieradome.

I think the length might be a detriment to readers. That said, there are many action packed exploits that keep the book from being boring. Kate Haggerty doesn’t shy away from dealing with death and race issues, but it was done in a way that young adults would understand. She clearly promotes tolerance of differences in people and I very much enjoyed her evil characters like Ebony Vauntz; she oozed nastiness.

Mieradome is an enjoyable read filled with fascinating beings and set in the beautiful and magical faery world.