ISBN: 0-553-57723-9 Order from: Amazon.com
Tense, at times grim, novel of magic and politics and religious persecution, the book features a weak premise, but strong execution, with vivid characters, friendship, duty, and some moral ambiguity.
Reviewed by David on August 09, 2003
Genre: Fantasy (Coming of Age, Magic, Sword and Sorcery, Politics, Hidden Heir)
Synopsis: For centuries, the country of Skala had female rulers, guided by a prophecy. However, the last queen was a mad, homocidal tyrant. Upon her death, a male relative was crowned. There was plenty of grumblings about tradition, so to safeguard his thrown, King Erius has murdered most female royal relatives.
Still guided by the prophecy, a handful of wizards safeguard a female heir by disguising her as a boy. To insure her safety from the increasingly paranoid king, the girl's magical disguise is made perfect—through deadly rituals and absolute secrecy.
The price of the disguise grows higher as the child, believing herself a boy grows up. As Tobin—the King's "nephew" struggles with isolation, King's suspicions and strange hauntings, the country slowly surcomes to a hot of ills.
Full Review: This, clearly the first book in a story, is both engaging and grim. The child—Tobin—is sympathetic, and her guradians are strained to the breaking point by the demands of secrecy. The characters are well-portrayed under the pressure of guilt, fear and loneliness.
The book is a bit too grim—mostly through lack of happy memories; but the central character, Tobin, is engaging even if mostly passive through the book. Her childhood, fragile friendships, and fears, are well and effectively described.
I had a problem with the premise of the plot and the associated prophecy, which seems arbitrary and capricious. Having accepted that, however, the plot follows logically, and creates eager anticipation for the sequel, Hidden Warrior.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 6; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 2001, Bantam Books (Spectra), October 2001, Mass-market paperback, 524 pages
ISBN: 0-553-57723-9 Order from: Amazon.com