The Witches of Eileanan Series by Kate Forsyth

In the Celtic land of Eileanan, witches and magic have been outlawed, and those caught for practicing witchcraft are put to death! It is a land ruled by an evil Queen, where sea-dwelling Fairgean stir, and children vanish in the night. But in a valley deep in the mountains, young Isabeau grows to womanhood under the guidance of an elderly witch, and must set out on a quest, carrying the last hopes of the persecuted witches.

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... moreTaking 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. less

A new age has dawned in the kingdom of Eileanan. But the flame-haired twins--Iseult the Scarred Warrior and Isabeau the apprentice-witch--must face their oldest fears...in the epic series that's not only "vividly depicted" (Romantic Times), but "a lot of fun" (Locus). 3rd in the bestselling fantasy series

In the fourth novel in the Celtic-inspired Witches of Eileanan series, a young girl comes of age-and discovers her abilities when she is called to aid her kingdom.Praise for The Witches of Eileanan:More depth and imagination than others in this field ...a rich tapestry of settings, creatures, and people...I'd encourage you to read [it]. (Australian SF Online)Quite original, with unexpected depths and plenty of fun...a strong novel... moreIn the fourth novel in the Celtic-inspired Witches of Eileanan series, a young girl comes of age-and discovers her abilities when she is called to aid her kingdom.Praise for The Witches of Eileanan:More depth and imagination than others in this field ...a rich tapestry of settings, creatures, and people...I'd encourage you to read [it]. (Australian SF Online)Quite original, with unexpected depths and plenty of fun...a strong novel. (Locus)Forsyth spices up a suitably complex power struggle with vividly depicted imagery and a worthy heroine...a most interesting fantasy series. (Romantic Times)Excellent...I was impressed by Forsyth's command of the language and her ability to create such a detailed world...had me absorbed in the end. (The SF Site) less

In the land of Eileanan, the Pact of Peace has not meant the end of unrest. And, though Isabeau would like to return home to help her family in these uncertain times, she must first venture to the Skull of the World where she will discover her true talents as a witch. And when she does return home, she does so transformed with the power to overcome her family's enemies once and for all.

In Eileanan, the sea-dwelling Fairgain have refused to sign the Pact of Peace. Driven by ancient hatreds, they have devoted themselves to destroying all who dwell upon the land. To help bring peace, Iseult's flame-haired twin Isabeau must face her most difficult challenge yet.