The Pool of Two Moons (Witches of Eileanan, Book 2)by Kate Forsyth

Taking up where The Witches of Eileanan left off, we find Meghan o' the Beasts and her young charge Isabeau, outcasts in a land where magic has been outlawed. But the pair are soon separated, and Isabeau is wounded by witchfinders, and saved by a group of samaritans. Meghan sets out to find Isabeau's warrior-trained twin, Iseult, and a missing prince living under an ancient curse. Separately, the two parties must make their way through a land where magic is punished by death, seeking allies to spread the news--that the Witches are returning, and the Queen and her evil must fall. (goodreads.com)

This book was my introduction to the Witches of Eileanan series back in 1999. I remember when I unpacked it from a box of new books for the store how it caught my eye instantly. The cover itself enchanted me, the type-face of the title (which I would love to know what it is!), the title with the word "moon" in it and then the name of the series itself, with the magical word "witch". I made sure we ordered the first book in the series and I of course started with that. I have never been happier to discover a series in my life.Both Isabeau and Iseult are still apart for pretty much the duration of the story and their first meeting still gives me a thrill even with this third reading of the story.One thing that struck me more with this reread was how Isabeau has a pretty crummy lot in life. She grew up with such hopes and dreams and it seems like she keeps getting the bad end of the stick and all the good stuff happens to Iseult, who has only just been discovered. I have always sympathized more with Isabeau throughout the series and this time around it was an even stronger connection to her that I had. I feel bad for Isabeau and do not think she deserves a life of sacrifice and suffering. Of course she is envious and bitter about her sister's life. Isabeau cares so much for everyone and she always seems to get shafted. Poor, firey thing.The funny thing about the end of this book is the "Stay tuned for the conclusion to the Witches of Eileanan series with the next book!" I know at the time this was to be a trilogy, but like many trilogies it seemed to have grown into a longer saga - 6 books to be precise.As much as I am dying to reread The Cursèd Towers, I am finally in a better head space to start reading some of my TBR review books. So I shall put off the third book for a while and get some much needed scheduled reading done!There just aren't words enough to express how much I love this series.The Witches of Eileanan series

1. The Witches of Eileanan
2. The Pool of Two Moons
3. The Cursèd Towers
4. The Forbidden Land
5. The Skull of the World
6. The Fathomless Caves

Rhiannon’s Ride

1. The Tower of Ravens
2. The Shining City
3. The Heart of Stars