THE SPECUSPHERE:
The Crowthistle Chronicles, book 2 by Cecilia Dart-Thornton
written by Heidi Wessman Kneale

Book Two: The Well of Tears ISBN: 1405036958

One thing I like about the books of the “Crowthistle Chronicles” is that they are self-contained stories; you can pick up book two and find it an enjoyable read without having to read the first book (though the story will be richer by having read The Iron Tree first).

After the bittersweet death of Jarred and Lilith, their daughter Jewel must flee, for the authorities of King Maolmordha have discovered that her father was the grandson of the powerful Sorcerer of Strang and thus the only one who can open the mysterious Dome of Strang, with its dark secrets of sorcery and vast treasures.

Jewel has inherited her father's invulnerability — the heritage from the Sorcerer — which protects her as she flees all dangers. Her flight ends at Rowan Green, the home of the legendary Weathermasters, who offer her protection. She is taken in by the kindly Miller family who raise her as one of their own.

As she approaches adulthood, she learns that the Dome of Strang is no longer guarded by the king's men. The Dome calls to her, and she yearns to discover its secrets. She leaves Rowan Green, against the advice of the Storm Lord and seeks her inheritance. Unbeknownst to her, she is followed by Arran, the Storm Lord's son, who seeks to watch over her and protect her.

Within the Dome of Strang, she learns that her great-grandfather has indeed discovered the secret to immortal life in three magical wells. Jewel must prove herself by seeking out these wells and completing a task set forth in a book left by the Sorcerer.

Alas, her task is not easy, for she is stalked by Fionnbar and Fionnuala Eolacha, relatives of a former servant of the Sorceror, who seek eternal life for themselves, and to take revenge on Jewel because she is Jarred's daughter.

The Well of Tears features the same rich language, the same strong world-building and the same kind of larger-than-life characters as in the first book of the series, The Iron Tree.

The first edition of this book also has a bonus CD with gorgeously rendered interactive environments of Marshtown and Rowan Green. It's not a game, but rather the most intense illustration for a book I've ever seen, allowing me to virtually step in and roam the settings. I enjoyed being able to load the disk on my computer and walk the causeways of Marshtown and gaze at a Weathermaster's balloon as it rose over Marsh Green. I liked wandering through these virtual environments, for they are more complex than they seem. There are so many hidden corners to explore. Occasionally I could glimpse a seelie wight, but when I tried to circle around for a closer look, it had slipped away!

There are secrets to be found, like the courtyard of the Storm Lord, and mystical creatures to be spotted. Further editions plan on having puzzles to solve and doors to be unlocked.

This is a book for the romantics, the dramatics, and those who enjoy a good fairy tale.