This Scepter'd Isle (The Scepter'd Isle) - Tapa dura

"Roberta Gellis has already established herself as a great author in the [romantic fantasy] genre, and this story ['Rarer than a White Crow'] is no exception."

The FarSeers among the Sidhe of Eifhame Avalon have seen two visions of the future. In one, an evil queen will take the throne and welcome the Inquisition in, debauching the nation and threatening even the elf strongholds throughout the land. In another, a red-haired child will grow up to take the throne and usher in a golden age of literature, music, and art. The evil Unseleighe Sidhe, who draw power from pain and misery, welcome the coming of a ruler of humans who will increase their strength, and are determined to prevent the red-haired child from coming to the throne. Unless the good Sidhe can find the child and protect her from the evils and dangers of both the human and elven worlds, she will never grow up to become Elizabeth, Queen of England in the Sixteenth Century.