Daughter of the Night

by Richard S. Shaver

"Daughter of the Night" by Richard S. Shaver is a fantasy novel written in the mid-20th century. Set in a mythical land called Fantasia, the narrative unfolds a tale of magic, revenge, and the entanglements of love and power, primarily revolving around the characters of Druga, a heroic figure, and Eos, a mystical being embodying the essence of female attraction. The underlying theme explores the struggles against dark forces represented by various deities, layering the fantastical elements with rich character dynamics. The story begins with Druga's conflict with Dionaea, a powerful sorceress, whom he believes he has slain, only to discover that her legacy of curses continues to haunt him and his beloved Feronia. When Feronia is turned to stone by the wicked goddess Diana, Druga seeks a way to free her. As he embarks on a journey, he encounters Eos, who shares a common enemy with him. Their alliance grows complex as more profound emotions unfold amidst their battle against Diana's dark influence. The climax reaches a turning point when alliances shift, and sacrifices are made, leading to revelations about love and the true nature of sacrifice, as Eos comes to terms with her feelings and the interplay of fate.