As can be expected from the first book of a series, Lady of Light sets the scene and introduces the reader to the main protagonists of Paxson's Westria Series. The plot takes place after the so called 'Cataclysm', a divine intervention which destroyed the previous civilisation and its technical advancements. As a result, Westrians inhabit a medieval-type, feudal setting and believe in a pagan-style religion, in which the Gods and Goddesses are worshipped in elaborate rituals. Access to the divine powers can be established with the help of a set of crystals, representing the elements of fire, water, earth and wind.
Since the mid-2000s Paxson (born: 1943) has primarily written non-fiction on spiritual as well as mythological topics, establishing herself as a well-respected voice within the fields of Asatru (the worship of Norse Gods and Goddesses) and Runes. She has also carried on writing books in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series, on which she has collaborated for a number of years (partially uncredited) whilst Bradley was still alive. Following her passing, Paxson has authored a number of instalments in the series on her own, the last one being Sword of Avalon.
Since the mid-2000s Paxson (born: 1943) has primarily written non-fiction on spiritual as well as mythological topics, establishing herself as a well-respected voice within the fields of Asatru (the worship of Norse Gods and Goddesses) and Runes. She has also carried on writing books in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series, on which she has collaborated for a number of years (partially uncredited) whilst Bradley was still alive. Following her passing, Paxson has authored a number of instalments in the series on her own, the last one being Sword of Avalon.
Though not as widely discussed amongst readers, Diana Paxson is also known for her Westria novels, the Chronicles of Westria: a series of 8 books set in the fictional kingdom of the same name, a post-industrialist state with feudal structures. The first book in the series, Lady of Light, was originally published in 1982. It was followed by the release of Lady of Darkness in 1983. Initially published as individual instalments, TOR released a volume titled Mistress of the Jewels, which combined both books into one edition in 1991. On the cover of Mistress of the Jewels it is wrongly stated that this edition contained the first book of the series. To avoid any doubt and confusion, the author's website provides the definitive chronology and further information on the various editions. It can be found here.
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| Mistress of the Jewels, The Chronocles of Westria Book 1 and 2 - Diana L Paxson, Cover Illustration by Thomas Canty, Publisher TOR, 1991 |
