Three people come together at the House of Rede to seek the guidance of Eldor reputedly the oldest man on Earth. On the surface they have nothing in common but, in fact, they all have one overriding goal – to seek out and destroy the serpent M'gulfn.

Ashurek, prince of Gorethria, brother of the Emperor has seen his brother destroyed by the attentions of a demon. This same demon controlled Ashurek for many years causing him to become the most feared warrior across many continents. Only the love of the beautiful Silvren saved him from eternal damnation and released him from the Demon's power.

Estarinel is from Forluin, a peaceful land populated by beautiful gentle people. When the serpent M'gulfn arrives one day it brings destruction and tragedy. Wherever it touches becomes a barren wasteland. Anyone who comes into contact with the fluid secreted by the worm dies an agonising death. Estarinel is chosen to leave Forluin and seek advice from Eldor.

Medrian is a mystery. A pale young woman who seems wrapped in sorrow and tragedy but is unwilling to share her story.

Together the group journey throughout the White, Black and Blue Planes seeking out the serpent and searching for a means to kill it before it can destroy the universe.

I first read A Blackbird in Silver shortly after it was published in 1986. I was at university and just starting to explore the world of fantasy literature. One day I actually had a small amount of my grant left over (a rare occurrence) so on the spur of the moment I went into the university bookshop and discovered this book. I had never heard of Freda Warrington (understandable seeing as this was her first novel) but having read the synopsis on the back of the book I knew I just had to buy it.

How was I to know that this one book would lead to a lifelong love of fantasy fiction and that Freda Warrington would become my favourite author?

When I was given the opportunity, 18 years later, to re-read this revised edition of A Blackbird in Silver I was rather nervous. This book had been such a major influence in my choice of reading material, what if I was to read it again and be disappointed? What if the revisions destroyed the original essence of the story? What if? What if?

Why did I have any doubts? In the preface Freda Warrington states that when she began the revision of Blackbird she was conscious of not changing the style and definitely not re-writing the story. What a relief. As I re-entered the worlds of the Blue, Black and White Planes I was once again enchanted by the simplicity and atmosphere being created.

It is clear that Freda's writing style has changed immensely over the last 18 years but despite the differences there are certain styles, a darkness, a certain atmosphere that are evident throughout.

OK, I have to admit that this is a far from unbiased review. I love this book. I have always loved this book from the very first time I read it so to be given an excuse to read it again was an absolute gift. I just hope I am afforded a similar opportunity to re-discover A Blackbird in Darkness and the other books of the series.