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 |
Travelling through his Kingdom to attend the Festival of Flowers, which marks the onset of spring, King Jehan sets eyes on Lady Faris and falls in love at first sight. Beautiful, yet disfigured Faris is both encouraged to believe and initially convinces herself that she is an unlikely choice. But when Jehan consults the Gods, Faris is revealed to him as Queen. This divine revelation is confirmed during a Beltane festival. And even though Jehan's involvement with Faris is not greeted with great enthusiasm by many quarters, least of all by Jehan's Seneschal, Caolin, and Faris's own family, she eventually becomes Queen and, by implication, Mistress of the Jewels.
Before Faris can ascend to Westria's throne, she has to undergo spiritual initiation at the College of the Wise. There she is trained in all matters telepathy and prepared for her dual role as Queen of Westria and Mistress of the Jewels. Those entrusted with Westria's jewels not only wield great power through their ability to access a higher consciousness. As guardians of the jewels they are also given the ability to establish direct contact with their Goddesses and thus to manipulate the elements - powers which they must use wisely and only for the benefit of the greater good.
Meanwhile, Jehan is busy administering his kingdom and maintaining his position as King of all Westrians. With his authority challenged from within as well as without, he relies on the guidance of his trusted Seneschal, a close friend and confidant, scrupulous and power-hungry political player and the King's former lover.
With Caolin's character Paxson has created a great villain, who is motivated by his own thirst for power and recognition as well as personal jealousy and frustration, resulting from his denied desire for intimacy with the King. Adding the ongoing power struggles amongst the King's men and the rivalry between the Crown and Westria's spiritual leaders to the mix, Paxson manages to serve up a beautifully written, dense and unpredictable tale.
Meanwhile, Jehan is busy administering his kingdom and maintaining his position as King of all Westrians. With his authority challenged from within as well as without, he relies on the guidance of his trusted Seneschal, a close friend and confidant, scrupulous and power-hungry political player and the King's former lover.
With Caolin's character Paxson has created a great villain, who is motivated by his own thirst for power and recognition as well as personal jealousy and frustration, resulting from his denied desire for intimacy with the King. Adding the ongoing power struggles amongst the King's men and the rivalry between the Crown and Westria's spiritual leaders to the mix, Paxson manages to serve up a beautifully written, dense and unpredictable tale.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first Westria instalment and will certainly be reading further books in the series. Despite some readers' misgivings in respect of Paxson's heroine, I got the impression that this character will undergo tremendous development in the sequels, which can be gleaned from the final scene of the first book.
Starting off as a shy personality and lacking self-confidence as a result of her abusive upbringing and her disfigured arm, Faris does not appear to have a great deal of influence on her own actions and even comes across as immature for part of the story. She is portrayed as unwilling to partake in her training at the College of the Wise and is often depicted seeking comfort, whilst fearfully clinging to Jehan's arms. Chosen by the Gods to become Mistress of the Jewels, she finds herself thrown into a web of intrigue and jealousy. And even though she is picking up on the vibes, she remains completely unaware of the reasons for Caolin's resentment throughout the first book. This leaves plenty of room for the development of her character in the upcoming novels.
Starting off as a shy personality and lacking self-confidence as a result of her abusive upbringing and her disfigured arm, Faris does not appear to have a great deal of influence on her own actions and even comes across as immature for part of the story. She is portrayed as unwilling to partake in her training at the College of the Wise and is often depicted seeking comfort, whilst fearfully clinging to Jehan's arms. Chosen by the Gods to become Mistress of the Jewels, she finds herself thrown into a web of intrigue and jealousy. And even though she is picking up on the vibes, she remains completely unaware of the reasons for Caolin's resentment throughout the first book. This leaves plenty of room for the development of her character in the upcoming novels.
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| Map of Westria - by Diana L Paxson in Mistress of the Jewels, The Chronicles of Westria Book I and II |
The only two downsides worthwhile noting in respect of Lady of Light are related to the map of Westria in my volume of the book and the lack of background information on the 'Cataclysm'. Firstly, the map, which was drawn by Paxson herself, is incomplete and does not show all the locations of Westria or its neighbouring Kingdoms. As a reference and reader's aid it is therefore only of limited use. Due to the complex power relationships and amount of locations introduced in the story, there are times when it would be helpful to refer to a map depicting all of the settings mentioned in the story.
Secondly, Lady of Light only provides the reader with scant information on the reasons behind the cataclysm and why the Gods were required to intervene so radically. The rules governing the interaction between humans and their Gods, and indeed the divine hierarchy amongst the Gods / Goddesses themselves, are only vaguely explained. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful that more information on this and the divine laws governing life and the interaction between mortals and their Gods will be revealed in the sequels.
A final note on the elaborate descriptions of religious ceremonies and ritual magic in the text. A practising pagan herself, Paxson has written ceremonial rituals for her own church gatherings, and this background has certainly found its way into her novels. She describes religious ceremonies in great detail, including prayers, chants, dances and ritual magic. With the inclusion of detailed passages on religious ritual etc., she might not cater to everyone's taste, but this will likely appeal to all readers of pagan / new age-inspired fantasy. If you have already encountered and enjoyed Paxson's contributions to the Avalon series, I would definitely recommend giving the Westria series a try. I will be moving on to Lady of Darkness this afternoon.
Secondly, Lady of Light only provides the reader with scant information on the reasons behind the cataclysm and why the Gods were required to intervene so radically. The rules governing the interaction between humans and their Gods, and indeed the divine hierarchy amongst the Gods / Goddesses themselves, are only vaguely explained. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful that more information on this and the divine laws governing life and the interaction between mortals and their Gods will be revealed in the sequels.
A final note on the elaborate descriptions of religious ceremonies and ritual magic in the text. A practising pagan herself, Paxson has written ceremonial rituals for her own church gatherings, and this background has certainly found its way into her novels. She describes religious ceremonies in great detail, including prayers, chants, dances and ritual magic. With the inclusion of detailed passages on religious ritual etc., she might not cater to everyone's taste, but this will likely appeal to all readers of pagan / new age-inspired fantasy. If you have already encountered and enjoyed Paxson's contributions to the Avalon series, I would definitely recommend giving the Westria series a try. I will be moving on to Lady of Darkness this afternoon.
