Seasons come and seasons go as do myths and tales of magic. Sometimes, however, there's more to each of these things than just what appears on the surface. For young Jareth Vasalen, each of these things awakens and shows themselves for what they really are on the day he finds a rare blessing cloth. Magical and mysterious, its touch awakens the spring within his soul along with whispered memories of other times.

Overnight, Jareth becomes the Kevat-aanta, the Spring- Bringer, and dons the legendary myth like a cloak around his shoulders. What once was only sung about in songs is now made reality in him. He can hear the whispers of all the living things who talk and also answer his call. For years, Jareth gives freely of his talent, awaking the seasons when needed, finding those who are lost and ensuring prosperity for his people. Yet all is not as perfect as it seems. Deep inside, a fear whispers to him each time he brings the seasons forth, that maybe he won't be able to do it again. Slowly, he builds a wall around his heart, never knowing he is doing so. Slowly, he denies the dreams that try to speak to him of something more.

Kevla of Arukan, known as the Flame Dancer, comes with her dragon companion to search for the Stone Dancer. The bitter memory of her short time with her beloved Jashemi, brother, lover and Lorekeeper, weighs heavily on her mind. Yet much more is at stake, forthe fate of the world rests in her ability to find and unite the five elemental dancers in order to defeat the Shadows one last time. The score is even, for in past lifetimes, twice the Shadows of evil have succeeded and twice the Dancers have won. This then is the last chance their world has to throw off the darkness or forever be consumed by it. The dread Emperor knows this and will stop at nothing to ensure his plans are successful. Kevla must fight the Emperor and her own demons and find the Stone Dancer. But if myths and legends can come to life, then there may be more enemies to fight than just the Emperor.

Suddenly, all that is spring has turned to ice and love has turned to stone, when the Ice Maiden steps out of the same songbook as the Spring-Bringer. Will love and destiny win over those touched by fate and shadow? Or will the battle be lost before it's even truly begun?

Continuing her Final Dance series (following ON FIRE'S WINGS), Golden delivers another amazing and compelling look into her fantasy world. She's filled this world of magic and breathtaking imagery with engaging people very much like those found in our own. Once again, her characters sing with poignant real flaws and multifaceted layers of emotion as elemental as the dancers themselves. They're courageous and colorful, and the settings are fantastic and vividly real. She wields her plot twisting tale, leaving the mind to continuously wonder until all is revealed. It's a delight to turn each page and a pang of sadness when the last one is done. Definitely one of the freshest and most innovative fantasy series around. I can't wait for UNDER SEA'S SHADOW to dance out onto the shelves next year.

Book Summary

Strength of stone, heart of ice . . .

Flame Dancer Kevla of Arukan seeks the missing elements -- Stone and Sea, Wind and Soul -- that must join to preserve their world from destruction. Sensing that the Stone Dancer, the master of Earth magic, would be found in the icy north, she and her dragon companion fly to a country mired in an unnaturally long winter. When at last they find Jareth, the Stone Dancer's own anger and pain make him reluctant to accept his destiny. His need for vengeance against the old gods who betrayed his people is powerful -- powerful enough to lead the group farther into the snows, searching for the legendary Ice Maiden, who may be responsible for the forced winter. But betrayal doesn't come only from the gods -- and the forces against them are vast. Before their quest is over, Kevla must realize that while Flame can break through the chill of the winter, Stone can withstand anything...