(8/2/2015)
Lamp Black, Wolf Grey was the first Paula Brackston book that I've read, although The Silver Witch is sitting on my bookshelf, still waiting. The writing is vivid and lovely, and she immerses readers in the beauty of the Welsh countryside. I found myself quickly captivated by both Laura, the modern-day protagonist, and Megan, Merlin's love. The supernatural elements are subtle, and the author does a nice job of blurring the lines between the normal, rational world and the unseen and inexplicable. Her storytelling style is natural and comfortable, gently urging readers to discover the secrets of the past as the modern heroine makes sense of her present and future. Secondary characters could have been more fully fleshed out. At one point, Laura and her husband start to have an honest, albeit heated exchange about their situation, and they stop, choosing not "to get into it." More messy honesty would add depth to the story, but it was still a fun read and I look forward to additional books by Brackston.