Practical Candleburning Rituals: Spells and Rituals for Every Purpose (Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series)

Book Description

This trusted guidebook by popular author Raymond Buckland has introduced candle magick to more than 300,000 readers. From winning love to conquering fear, obtaining money to improving relationships, Practical Candleburning Rituals is filled with simple candle rites that get real results.

Newly updated and re-organized, this edition includes thirty-seven rituals-adapted for Christians and Pagans-that can be performed at home with readily available materials. No prior magickal knowledge is necessary. Diagrams and simple instructions make this candle magick primer an ideal practical guide for beginners.

Customer Reviews:

Very effective!!.......2007-09-01

I've read a ton of books on candle rites and spells, and this is my favorite. It has versions for Christians and Pagans. I think it's fasinating and there are rituals in here for many occasions. All of the ones I've tried have worked well for me. Is it magic, or the will of suggestion? I believe in magic, but does it really matter? IT WORKS!!!

truely practical.......2007-08-14

this book is great it doesn't spend alot of time on the ethics and history of magick but gets right into some very usable spells, and gives both a Christian and Pagan variation on each so everyone can use it.

Not very practical........2007-07-26

I think Mr. Buckland and I have very different definitions of the word, 'practical'. He appears to use it in reference to 'everyday things', meaning one can use candle magic for 9-to-5 type things as well as emotional/spiritual purposes.

I, however, do not think one can use 'practical' without including the meaning of 'cost-and-time effective'. Some of the rituals suggested in this book call for *several* candles, of various colors, with an emphasis on not 're-using' candles. Unless you have a store near you that sells candles relatively cheaply, this can put you back a good amount of money, aside from whatever you spend on your regualr practice.

Now, since a sensible person does not leave even a single candle burning unattended, you get to babysit all those candles--because in Mr. Buckland's opinion, you can't re-use candles, can't snuff them and re-light for the same purpose. Some candles can burn for as long as 12 hours! Not very practical!

All the focus on colors, incense, etc., made me think this was more like Dumbo's feather than a primer on candle magic. The inclusion of Psalms seemed odd to me. While I suppose it was done in an effort to appeal to a wider audience, I don't think it worked. For Wiccans with no desire to include Christian scriptures (and who can blame them? Those Scriptures rightfully belong in the context and beliefs of that religion, not Wicca), the Psalms are unnecessary padding to flip through.

For Christians... well, to most Christians, practicing magic of any kind is anathema. I think Mr. Buckland made a mistake here, and assumed that since many Catholics light candles to the saints and the Holy Mother as part of their worship, *all* Christians would do so. (They don't, and there are certainly plenty of Christians who would object to being considered Catholic!)

Truthfully, this book is dated. THere's nothing in it (aside from the Psalms) that is not also readily available in most "Wicca 101" books. There are other books on candle magic--I recommend "The Candle Magick Workbook" by Kala and Ketz Pajeon. Much more focused, and far better suited for people wanting to personalize their practice.

A good place to start once you've done your basics.......2007-01-19

and decided on the type of magic you would like to work. For those that work with fire, this is a good place to advance.

I love this book. It's simple, and it works if you believe it will. .......2006-12-06

I have had this book for about 5 years now. I have done the same spell a few times, and so far, each time I have done it, I have seen successful results. I did a new spell recently, and as soon as I finished it, it came true. Put your mind and body into the entire process. Imagine and really feel the words that you are saying as you do the spell. Do it continually until the end, have patience and believe it'll happen...that's all I have to say.

Average customer rating:

A good book to keep by your bedside.
Not what I was Expecting
Interesting
Sylvia Browne never lets me down
Comforting, inspriational, helpful and spiritual

Light a Candle
Sylvia Browne
Manufacturer: Angel Bea Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0971784361

Book Description

The New York Times–bestselling author and psychic Sylvia Browne encourages readers to call upon the power of their own personal energy and spiritual candlelight to help make their dreams realities. Through a series of spiritual exercises—with themes ranging from energy, health, and physical and emotional healing to protection, wealth, and wisdom—she outlines how to jump-start a personal–spiritual routine to increase spiritual energy, personal awareness, and a connection to God. This highly visual guide also explores the symbolic meaning of color and scent combinations, groupings, and inviting the spirits of loved ones, angels, and spirit guides through the use of candle and prayer.

Customer Reviews:

A good book to keep by your bedside........2007-06-03

This book has some really pretty pictures, which I enjoyed looking at, but it really helps teach you about the different candle colors and how these colors represent spacific things in life. Very interesting book, I really enjoy looking at it and learning, daily.
Great book!!!

Not what I was Expecting.......2007-05-13

I am a huge fan of Sylvia's and I love pretty much all of her other products. But this one, did not quite meet my expectations...
I don't think it flows or reads well...I think the intent is good.

Interesting.......2007-03-26

I found this book to be very spiritual and calming. It was a nice peaceful release to read this book as well as replicate things in this tranquil and upbeat book. It has many candle setups to use towards your current mood to highten your connection to whatever you feel like being more connected to. This book will slow you down and make you look inside and around you and go hmmm I need to slow down and be calm. It was enchanting to see this book with all it's majestic candle rituals. I am very intrigued to try some of Sylvia's other books.

Sylvia Browne never lets me down.......2007-03-11

This is an adorable little coffee table or end table book (I currently have it on my end table in my room) and I always look through it for cute ideas about decorating my house with candles. I've always been into the power of candles and I LOVE anything Sylvia Browne writes, so when I saw this on Amazon.com, I had to get it. It's GREAT! It has advice for what candle scents to burn, what candle sizes to burn, how to arrange them, what colors to get, different meanings or occasions that certain candles are for... I absolutely love it!

Comforting, inspriational, helpful and spiritual.......2007-03-02

What a lovely little picture book! It's kinda like a "sorry your feeling poorly" card, but extended and with very helpful information. Perfect for when a beloved person or pet passes over, or there is illness or unhappiness of any type in someone's life. With greeting cards at $4 and up, this makes it a bargain at about $10 discount, because the person can actually get (or remember) some helpful advice to call on their angels and spirit guides through the power of candles. Plus, if you know of an indigo or crystal child, they love this stuff and will be very pleased with it. (I have an indigo daughter and am always looking for spiritual books that she will love without saying they're "whacked--and that's not the way it is, mom!"). So please purchase with your needs in mind. It is not an extended, detailed treatise on a topic in sprituality, but it is very pretty and very comforting.

Leave a Candle Burning (Tucker Mills Trilogy, Book 3)

Average customer rating:

Good Book
Leave a Candle Burning
Conclusion in the Tucker Mills trilogy
Very annoying and predictable
A nice story

Leave a Candle Burning (Tucker Mills Trilogy, Book 3)
Lori Wick
Manufacturer: Harvest House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0736913734

Book Description

Lori Wick’s bestselling Tucker Mills trilogy concludes with Leave a Candle Burning about a widowed physician, Dannan MacKay, who creates a new life for his daughter but longs for the faith to love again.

Customer Reviews:

Good Book.......2007-07-22

This was a good book. But I isn't as good as most of her other books I've read.

Leave a Candle Burning.......2007-06-27

I know this the last book of the Tucker Mills Trilogy. I have read the whole series, and enjoyed it a great deal.
I would recommend this trilogy to all.

Conclusion in the Tucker Mills trilogy.......2007-01-23

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (1/07)

Dannan MacKay is the young physician who has come to town to take over his uncle's former practice. Doc MacKay was thought of highly by all the townsfolk before his retirement, and Dannan is warmly welcomed by the town, the church family, and by all those he treats. Dannan is comfortable and confident of his new life until he is accidentally smacked in the face with a shovel by the lovely Scottie Peterson. Dannan is quite taken by Scottie and believes he may be in love until he learns Scottie is married and the wife of the bedridden Eli Peterson.

Dannan struggles with his feelings for the happily married Scottie and tries to quiet his heart. To keep his mind focused, Dannan puts all his efforts into treating his beloved patients, until a tragedy occurs and Dannan soon finds himself trying to be a surrogate father to a lovable but frightened three-year old named Corina, daughter of his cousin Grant. How can a single physician meet all the needs of an orphaned child? Dannan seeks the help and support of the town he now calls home. Corina instantly wins the hearts of all who meet her, except for Scottie Peterson who desperately tries to keep her distance and remain at arms' length. To find solace and guidance, Dannan turns to seeking God's will and to conversing with Eli, even when he lies on his deathbed.

"Leave a Candle Burning" is about trusting God and accepting His will for our lives. It is about knowing God is in control and has a perfect plan for each of us. It reveals the joy that comes to those who obey and believe. "Leave a Candle Burning" will pull at your heart.

I have enjoyed almost everything I have ever read by Lori Wick, and I was not disappointed with "Leave a Candle Burning." It is of the similar high quality I have come to expect from this proven author. And even though I have not read the other books in this particular trilogy, I had no problem following the story. If you too enjoy Christian Romance, I recommend this current selection without reservation. If you are a fan of Lori Wick, this is a must read. This book is appropriate for all ages and genders.

Very annoying and predictable.......2007-01-06

This was the worst Lori Wick book I've read. I was very disappointed with the writing style and the predictability of the plot. It was extremely annoying that EVERY time Dannon walks in on Scottie playing or reading with the little girl, he says "Now this looks fun." This phrase becomes very awkward and stilted from overuse. There are many other ways he could've broken into their conversation without saying the same thing over and over again. I would recommend Ms. Wick's older novels, The Kensington Chronicles and The Princess over this newer series.

A nice story.......2006-09-25

I liked the plot line of this book more than I did the others in this trilogy; it appealed to me more. I really really liked Dannon and how, when he is faced with having feelings for a woman who is unavailable, he confesses them to God and asks for help in overcoming them. His cousin's little girl, who he adopts when she becomes orpahned, is really sweet.
What I didn't like was how the author kept jumping around to other characters in the town. It was a bit confusing to me and I felt that they detracted from the main story a bit. While mentioning what went on in Scottie's hosehold was understandable, I really did not need to or want to know about what was going on in everyone else's households and how they all felt over someone's broken arm.
I also felt that the ending was way too rushed and I did not care for the epiolouge at all. I didn't feel that it was really necessary to the story; it just seemed to add characters who either had nothing to do with the story or very little to do with it.

Average customer rating:

very disappointing ending
Slightly different than her usual, but still an excellent read
Generally Satisfying
A guilty pleasure of mine
A great introduction to a magnificent author

Light a Penny Candle
Maeve Binchy
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0451203046
Release Date: 2001-02-06

Book Description

As a child, Elizabeth White was sent from her war-torn London home to a safer life in the small Irish town of Kilgarret. It was there, in the crowded, chaotic O'Connor household, that she met Aisling-who would become her very best friend, sharing her pet kitten and secretly teaching her the intricacies of Catholicism. Aisling's boldness brought Elizabeth out of her proper shell; later, her support carried Elizabeth through the painful end of her parents' chilly marriage. In return, Elizabeth's friendship helped Aisling endure her own unsatisfying marriage to a raging alcoholic. Through the years, they always believed they could survive anything, as long as they had each other. Now they're about to find out if they were right...

Customer Reviews:

very disappointing ending.......2006-02-16

I don't often review books on Amazon, but after finishing this book, I wanted to see what other readers thought about it. I've read most of Binchy's works, and have loved every one of them. I even loved this one -- until the very end. What a melodramatic, "grade B movie" ending! The ending was very much out-of-character for both the main characters, as well as for Binchy herself. The lack of resolution and closure goes beyond what one would anticipate; this one needed a few more pages to deal with some of the issues.

Slightly different than her usual, but still an excellent read.......2005-08-09

As a HUGE fan of Maeve Binchy, I enjoyed this book a lot. It was slightly more mature than her usual, kind of a story of coming of age and of the loss of innocence. But the hopeful message at the ending was just as strong as her usual work, if not stronger because of the dark nature of the events toward the end of the book.
My one complaint is that the last 50 pages or so are very different than Ms. Binchy's usual stuff. She usually is very good about allowing the story to unfold naturally and through dialogue and storytelling. Though the dialogue at the end of the book remains strong, the scenes are quite short as the book builds to its climax, which reads somewhat differently than some of her other novels. A lot of the motivations surrounding some of the characters' actions is not as strong as I usually see.
Nonetheless, this is a great read, and wonderfully true-to-life, as all of her work is.

Generally Satisfying.......2005-03-31

Sometimes, between the serious books, a not-so-weighty novel is in order. With this sentiment in mind, I picked up "Light A Penny Candle." Expecting something romanticized and sugary like a Rosamunde Pilcher book or something with a mindless Danielle Steel feel, I picked this up.

As I worked my way through the book, I found it quite different than my initial expectations. Binchy was not at all flowery; I found myself enjoying her reliance on realistic dialogue and "ordinary" thoughts and settings. It is not the most penetratingly insightful or skillful writing that I have ever read, but for this often simple story, it usually works. This story of Elizabeth White and Aisling O'Connor, their unlikely friendship, and their unusually strong bond resonated with me, as it should with anyone who has a "total" best friend.

The final aspect of "Light a Penny Candle" that struck me was its almost dark feel at times. Unlike other writers of this genre (whatever it may be called) who hesitate to write about any characters who make controversial decisions or deal with issues that seem to have no resolution, Binchy plunges her characters into these situations. Bad relationships and marriages, imperfect families, and abortion are all touched on.

Granted, "Light a Penny Candle" ends on a rushed and somewhat inconceivable note...a note, I'm sorry to say, that is reminiscent of some of the shabbier writing in this genre. Yet Maeve Binchy has undeniable skill at writing about life, frienship, and the things that matter.

A guilty pleasure of mine.......2005-03-19

I read this book about once a year. If you're going to read Maeve Binchy books, just expect a few things. Anyone who doesn't follow the teachings of the pre-Vatican II Catholic Church is going to come to a bad end. If you are living a life of quiet desparation in a stultifying Irish small town, take a class or start a small project and your life will get instantly better! Light a Penny Candle follows the Binchy rules, but it somehow stands out from her other works. The characters are a bit more real, the story a little more complex. Binchy does have a nice way with the rhythms of language in rural Ireland and suburban England and that is one of the great pleasures of her books. I do enjoy this novel.

A great introduction to a magnificent author.......2004-12-17

This was the first novel of Maeve Binchy's that I read, and I quickly went through the rest after reading it. I was shocked when I started reading this book, I had never read anything so well-written. It's the kind of reading where you forget that you're reading. I know that all writers are alleged to have this ability, but Maeve Binchy truly does. Not many authors write about every day life like she does. She doesn't avoid tragedy or disappointment, but they aren't shoved in your face either. Often I am as shocked as the characters when disaster strikes. I literally could not put this down, I read it all the time, I stayed up nights, I got the pages wet in the bathtub, I missed stops on the train... There is nothing romanticized about these two women, it is really a slice of life. In reading the book I felt as if I had become the best of friends with them, and was as upset when the book ended as I would be if I had to say goodbye to two real people. I probably sound ridiculous, but I cannot stress enough how truly amazing Maeve Binchy is. It would be difficult for me to tell you why to read this book and not her others, because of course I would tell you to read every last one. What I can say is that the tone and ending of this book are the saddest and most depressing (in a satisfying way, if that makes sense), and if you start with this one, the endings only get happier.

Average customer rating:

the spells really work!
Good basic book
Simple, yet, effective!
The best book on candle magick
Excellent candle magick book for beginner!!

A Little Book of Candle Magic
D. J. Conway
Manufacturer: Crossing Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1580910432

Book Description

This book shows how to use candles as magical tools to find a mate, achieve enlightenment, or improve life materially or spiritually. In A Little Book of Candle Magic, D. J. Conway gives a thorough introduction to tapping the reservoirs of magic in candles. Sometimes including oils and herbs in her spells, she begins by suggesting that novices start with a small goal they wish to accomplish. She provides chants, meditations, and affirmations and encourages readers to create their own.

Customer Reviews:

the spells really work!.......2006-03-01

Sure this Little book doesn't have all the bells and whistles but it is very simple to follow and easy to practice. You can get your items cheap (the spells don't break the bank) and this little book rocks in regards to spell casting. My spells always work and their really fun to do, a beginner, dabbler or even an experienced person who practices the craft can do these spells and have great results. I especially found the layout in the back of the book helpful, it shows you where to the items for each spell.

Good basic book.......2005-08-05

This book is good for a beginner or seasoned witch. I like the layout of the book and the illustrations in the back of the book. Overall, a good buy.

Simple, yet, effective!.......2003-08-11

The beauty of this book lays within its simplicity! I began exploring the more traditional Witchcraft books at approximately ten years of age. One was called 'Mastering Witchcraft' by Paul Huson, copyright 1970. I am unfamiliar with any revised editions because after 25 years I still have my original copy. This is how I began my journey down the magickal path; spending countless hours casting complicated, expensive spells. The 'training' was well worth it as it enhanced my abilities and concluded with me becoming a High Priestess. Still, the more experienced, knowledgeable, and wiser I become the less I find that I need to perform convoluted (or better known as 'advanced') rituals in order to achieve amazing results. You, too, may discover that any dependency on said rituals, as well as costly tools of the trade, vastly diminishes the more developed your own powers become ;-)

A Little Book of Candle Magic provides a brief history of candle/fire usage in religion; information on a variety of candle types and colors; corresponding oils, stones, herbs, incense; how to construct an altar; effective days/times in which to perform your candle magick; a small array of spells that focus on career, love, healing, protection and, oh, so much more! It is an excellent resource for both the beginner and advanced practitioner alike; teaching newbies the basics and reminding the learned that magick can be both simplistic AND potent!

The best book on candle magick.......2003-06-10

The simple terms and glossery found in this book is great for beginers and experienced alike. If offers diffrent cultural meanings of colour along with simple set up for the candles. The affermations she includes is also very helpful in conducting the energy of the spell work.

Excellent candle magick book for beginner!!.......2002-12-07

When I first began studying the craft, every book I read referred to (and I mean no offense to anyone when I say this) boring ritual and, what seemed to me, rather extravagant altar items. For example, an athame, wand, cloak, even special shoes, etc. I wanted to practice something a little more simple, until I had a better understanding of the craft.

This book explains how to practice magick only using these ingredients: candles, herbs, stones and chants. It is not infused with drawn-out, boring ritual, that, for me, take the excitement and spirituality out of witchcraft.

Another aspect I love about this book: It does not follow an exact belief system. It is for the anyone who wants to practice Witchcraft alone, and not necessarily Wicca.

An excellent book for beginners, it explains what day of the week and what moon cycle to practice your spell on, which I found very helpful.

Book Description

Anyone who has made a wish before blowing out birthday candles has practiced candle magic. Quick, easy, and effective, this magical art requires no religious doctrine or previous magic experience. Anyone can practice candle magic and Richard Webster shows you how to get started. Learn how to perform rituals, spells, and divinations to gain luck, love, prosperity, protection, healing, and happiness. Also included are tips for which kinds of candles to use, candle maintenance and preparation, best times for magic, and how to make your own candles.

Customer Reviews:

Great introduction to candle magic........2006-06-18

I found this book very interesting. It improved my meditaion skills as well as my overall sense of well being. One of my favorite chapters has to be when the author goes in-depth with colors and possible personal makeup traits or characteristics in a great chapter titled "Numerology and Candles." So, if your looking for a basic introduction to candle magic look no further.

Simple Candle Magic.......2005-08-15

If you want a book to explain to you how to use simple candle magic, this is probably the best one you could get. It explains all the basics (cleansing, consecrating, and dressing the candle) and it even goes into the not-so-usual ways of using numerology and magic squares to enhance your candle magic.

He explains the different types of candles, the tools you'll need; the importance of color, fragrance, and timing to get better results. There's a chapter on healing, a chapter on divination with candles, and a chapter with some candle rituals for you to try. There are even instructions on making your own candles, if that's your thing. Finally, the conclusion urges the reader to actually start practicing what was presented in the book. I liked that part the most because I know a lot of people who read books on magic rarely take the time to practice it (I've been guilty of this in the past myself).

All in all, a pretty good introduction to the topic. Although, keep in mind that the book is by a New Age author. If you're a witch looking for a book on candle magic, I'd still recommend it to you, but just keep in mind that the book comes more from a New Age perspective than anything else.

Good intro to candle magic and a definite keeper!

-Ater

Great For Beginners!.......2004-10-01

Very easy read and excellent for beginners! Also includes mini sections on various forms of Divination. Definite keeper ;)

The Book of Candlemaking: Creating Scent, Beauty & Light

Average customer rating:

Good but not great
Well, I DID come back to order it....*grin*
I think this is a great book for beginners.

The Book of Candlemaking: Creating Scent, Beauty & Light
Chris Larkin
Manufacturer: Sterling Pub Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0806906766

Amazon.com

Creating your own candles allows for a wide range of creative expression. Molding, dipping, rolling, carving, twisting, scenting, decorating-all these methods yield unique handmade candles, and all are nicely explored in this well-illustrated guide. A thorough introduction to the various techniques sets the stage for dozens of projects, from molded shapes concealing hidden treasures or stately pillars collaged with found objects to elegantly decoupaged tapers or whimsical candles mimicking ice cream sundaes. Many projects are devoted to decorating candle containers, so in addition to showing beginners how to delve into the field and providing more experienced crafters with new ideas, the book also offers great designs for unleashing your creativity on the candleholder, even if you never make a single candle from scratch. --Amy Handy

Book Description

Make candles with that personal, imaginative touch. Gorgeous color photographs come together with a complete how-to guide to help you produce any combination of size, shape, color, scent, and style. Experiment with mold, double mold, dipped, rolled, and floating candles, shape them by carving, pinching, and twisting the wax, and add aromatic effects. Decorating techniques include decoupage, embossing, and leafing, while a variety of easily available items such as dried leaves, foil, paint, cork, glitter, and bracelet charms will transform the most ordinary candle into an object of beauty and charm. You'll even learn how to make candleholders and containers from ordinary household items, and individualize store-bought candles. Lavish photographs of gleaming candles in inspiring settings show exactly how to create a romantic evening, a festive holiday atmosphere, or a warm welcome for dinner guests.

Customer Reviews:

Good but not great.......2001-05-18

This book covers the basics in candlemaking, what you'll need, wick types, wax types, pouring temps, which is very informative but it lacks in the candle varieties. It seems to focus more on candle decorating. I was looking for tips on making chunk, layered and ice candles to name a few. There also isn't any information on Gel wax or soy wax. There was some helpful information in here, but overall it wasn't what I was looking for in a candle book.

Well, I DID come back to order it....*grin*.......2000-10-17

First impression....all I can say is I guess my dog likes it! I woke up this morning to find the pages of this book strewn all over my yard. What was left of it did seem very informative and useful, so I came back to reorder it. Maybe this time I'll get to see the whole book. LOL

I think this is a great book for beginners........1999-09-05

The information is very useful, detailed, and well presented

To Light a Candle: The Obsidian Trilogy, Book Two (Obsidian Chronicles)

Average customer rating:

Very slow, so much room for improvement
Obsidian Triligy a super read
Bridging the gap
Lackey and Mallory Light a Candle in the Imagination in To Light a Candle
A great start of a triology

To Light a Candle: The Obsidian Trilogy, Book Two (Obsidian Chronicles)
Mercedes Lackey , and James Mallory
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0765341425
Release Date: 2005-12-27

Book Description

The Demon Queen Attacks!nbsp;To his own surprise, young Kellen, once the disappointing son of the great Mage who leads the City's Mage Council, has become a powerful Knight-Mage.nbsp; Valued for his bravery and his skills as both wizard and warrior, Kellen joins the Elves' war councils.nbsp; Yet he cannot convince the City of his birth that it is in terrible danger.nbsp; Kellen's sister Idalia, a Wild Mage with great healing ability, has pledged her heart to Jermayan, a proud Elven warrior.nbsp; Someday Idalia will pay a tragic Price for a world-saving work of Wild Magic, but until then, she will claim any joy life can offer her.nbsp; Jermayan, who has learned much fighting at Kellen's side and loving the human Idalia, finds that everything changes when he Bonds with a dragon while rescuing the Elf Prince and becomes the first Elven Mage in a thousand years.nbsp; Furious at her enemies' success with the dragon, the Demon Queen attacks in force.nbsp; Light struggles against Dark, like flickering candle flames buried deep in the shadow of Obsidian Mountain.nbsp;

Customer Reviews:

Very slow, so much room for improvement.......2007-09-19

After making my way through the first book I bought the second because it seemed that the story had finally been set up enough to get exciting. And indeed, some parts of the story are; however those parts are very small and are linked together by what I found to be very boring repetitive dialouge and unclear story padding. First, almost all of the writing about the elves I found to be very annoying. Mallory and Lackney set the creatures up by saying how they have perfected living, are graceful, everything they make is beautiful and harmonious, then continually tear them down with talking about how they never take action, must not ask anything directly but rather must go through a long formal series of questions. The character of Kellen can be annoying at times, he is always wondering why the elves don't do defeat Shadow Mountain and griping about how the elves are always drinking tea and about the elves ettiquette. Kellen's character seems very slow to change or evolve throughout the story and I feel is really rather dense. For instance, why does he not understand that it is emotional for the elves to kill the shadow elves, a race breed by the demons from elves and gobins. Obiviously the elves can see themselves in these creatures!

Another problem I have with the book is that much of the magic created is very much unexplained. For instance, the bonding with dragons is basically set up as sometimes a person/elf can bond with a dragon and then they have more magic than anyone. Finally, the elf army seems very weak. They are constantly suffering huge losses from Shadow Elves and in my mind I kept thinking "well what are they going to do if they actually have to fight the demons army? They've already lost half their own troops and that was just against a group of creatures that live in caves".

To sum it up, there are some enjoyable parts to this book, and the trilogy. However I do not think it comes close to being as good as some of the other fantasy out there. If you choose to read this, be prepared for some long repetitive passages

Obsidian Triligy a super read.......2007-09-05

Lackey has given another book that is very well done. It is easy to read, hard to put down, and all three are just the kind of books fantisy fans crave.

Bridging the gap.......2007-06-06

The middle book in a trilogy should bridge the gap while remaining in and of itself a good story, and "To Light a Candle" does this brilliantly. The characters we have already met continue to develop in new (and sometimes unexpected) ways and we meet some new characters as well that I have a feeling we will come to love as much as those with whom we started on this journey.

Tensions grow among the Elves when it is discovered that agents of the Demons have infiltrated their lands and call up an army for the first time in a thousand years. Creatures of Darkness thought extinct are seen, to everyone's dismay; however, new creatures of Light are also discovered. The Demon Queen continues to sink her fangs deeper into the Golden City (I don't know about anyone else, and yeah, she's evil as all get-out, but I like the Demon Queen character - she has style).

These books are written in a wonderful, epic style that would - I believe - translate beautifully to the big screen. Mercedes - you need to talk to someone about getting these books turned into a movie! :-) A big recommend from me to anyone who loves fantasy, sword and sorcery and just good old fashioned fun.

Lackey and Mallory Light a Candle in the Imagination in To Light a Candle.......2007-05-21

The action never stops in this battle between the Dark and the Light. The first book in the Obsidian Trilogy, The Outstretched Shadow, slowly introduces the reader to different mystical creatures while developing the main character, Kellen. Kellen has been kicked out of his home town and sent into the wilderness where he meets Shalkan the unicorn and his sister Idalia. The action that book ends with is the same thrilling action that To Light a Candle begins with. Kellen and the other creatures of the Light become aware that the Demon Queen is rising up her armies in order to destroy all those who walk in the Light, and they are just the ones to try and stop her. Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory together are able to develop a fascinating character while creating a tale filled with page-turning excitement that will leave the reader craving for more in To Light a Candle.
The awkward young man that Kellen beings as quickly develops into a confident, battle savvy knight. This change occurred in the first book when Kellen discovered that he was not simple a wild mage but instead he was a knight mage who only appeared in times of great need. His skills with the sword quickly increased as he fought past what the Dark threw at him. Also training in the House of Sword and Shield amongst elves. At times he is the only one who is able to see past the enemy's distractions into what the Dark is truly after. For that reason he becomes a great leader and aid to the Elvin forces when they engage in war with the Dark. His quick thinking and risk-taking nature allow him to climb the ranks in the army of the Light.
The action and excitement never ceases in To Light a Candle. The creatures of the Light seem to be out numbered and much weaker when compared with those of the Dark. The Elves are the ones subtly attacked by the Demons. The Demons move in this way to avoid real war where the Elves were victorious in the past. Instead the Elves must battle against drought, sabotage, and other creatures of the dark, while the true enemy is waiting until the Light grows dim. With each new obstacle thrown at the Elves, many lives are lost. Each new creature that the Darkness sends seems to be more powerful than the previous. This kind of warfare must rely on Knight-Mage Kellen's ability to see past the obvious and into what the Dark is truly trying to do.
The battle between Light and Dark is constant. Losses do occur in the Elvin forces, but the Light still shines in the Darkness. Kellen's development gives the Elves hope as the peril continues. This leads towards an adventure-filled novel where danger is just a page turn away.

A great start of a triology .......2007-04-11

Well, I read some previews before buying these books and so I was prepared
for reading...
...But some things make this book even better than I expected. First of all, I really liked the concept of magic in this book - nothing is for free. Secondly - I really liked the main character and his growing as I raced threw the pages - from an innocent boy without a clue to a young man with a great burden and hartbreaking responsibilities.Finally what I really liked was the fast pace of this book - it is nothing like the Sword of truth or the Wheel of time series. There is never a break in the story - it just keeps going and going.
I really liked that. I rally liked this book and those that follow.
Hope this helps...

Jaka Vodenik

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