The Light of Burning Shadows--Book Two of the Iron Elves

Private Alwyn Renwar, who has a wooden leg as a result of a battle injury, is particularly sensitive to the dark magic that has been implanted in it by the Shadow Monarch and is searching for a cure. Meanwhile, the Iron Elves racing to keep a magical falling star away from the Shadow Monarch who seeks its power. Narrator Michael Kramer has plenty of opportunity to use a range of accents. The quick interplay between the Iron Elves has splashes of humor and affection that Kramer brings forward. Because this installment in the Iron Elves series picks up from the first book without much explanation of past events, starting with the first book would provide listeners with helpful background. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

Starred review from July 27, 2009
Private Alwyn Renwar of the Iron Elves is having constant, debilitating nightmares of the evil Shadow Monarch-and it's nearly killing him. The magical acorn which the Shadow Monarch planted in the chests of all the reformed Iron Elves during their last campaign carries dark magic, useful in combating the Monarch's minions, but filled with evil and contrary to the nature of elves. In this quick but moving second volume of Evans's Iron Elves series, Private Renwar, Major Konowa Swift Dragon, Sergeant Arkhorn, and the rest of the regiment discover that one of the dark acorn's side effects is turning souls, after death, into ghosts. Private Renwar focuses all his efforts on finding a cure for this curse, while a more worldly battle transpires over a magical falling star, the Jewel of the Desert, which must be found before the Shadow Monarch claims its powers for "Her" own. Evans evokes the era of Napoleon with muskets and slashing swords while neatly mixing in military fantasy, swords and sorcery, and a great deal of success; readers will no doubt end up desperate for the next volume.