Talon of Light is a fantasy book about a young man named Widseth and his struggles to help free his mother from the evil Ruga. The story takes place in Aelandra and is full of magic, dragons and sword fights. Ruga is trying to take over the entire kingdom with his darkness and has the aid of several dragons that, along with the Dragonda, the armies of Ruga, are fighting the good people of Aelandra.

Widseth and his friends, Fyan and Vera are trying to get to Standel in order to help his mother who is being held captive by Ruga. Widseth is kidnapped along the way but eventually ends up in his great-grandmother's home, Meliandra, where he is taught many lessons about power and how to use it wisely.

The final battle between Widseth and Ruga shows us how light can overcome darkness even in a dark world. It was a very positive book in spite of the many people who sacrificed their lives for their freedom. There is also a romance between Widseth and Annel, a young woman whose life was saved by Widseth and who later saved his life in return.

What I really enjoy about this book are all the parallels between it and the LDS religion. There is a Tree of Life, repentance, forgiveness, baptism, priesthood power, laws of sacrifice, and so much more. It was fun to read and full of wisdom, too. You wouldn't have to be LDS to enjoy this book but I am fairly sure that LDS readers would find the parallels interesting. I feel that this book would be enjoyable for anyone from Young Adult on up. I thought it was very interesting and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good fantasy.

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Marilee McQuarrie
April 28, 2006