First Rider's Call

Green Rider: 2

ISBN: 0-7564-0209-3 Order from: Amazon.com

A tense, fast-moving plot, several well-drawn characters, and detailed world make for an enjoyable read despite a long buildup and a largely passive role for the likable heroine.

Reviewed by David on August 09, 2003

Genre: Fantasy (Magic, Sword and Sorcery)

Synopsis: The plot starts a couple of years after the end of Green Rider. Karigan, the scion of a successful merchant house, is well on the way of claiming her dream of strengthening the House G'ladheon. Alas, her country of Sacoridia needs her in another capacity. Reluctantly, but with grace, Karigan heeds the call of magic and pledges to King Zachary as a Green Rider, one of a trusted core of messengers, spies and advisors.

And just in time. The Green Riders are being decimated, by attrition, magic and combat. Ancient forces are stirring, using deadly, inimical magic against the kingdom. And the powerful lords are more eager to increase their power than to defend the realm.

Full Review: The cover bears a statement, "The long awaited sequel to GREEN RIDER," and it is indeed accurate. The readers have waited five years for the continuation of the enjoyable fantasy, and they have not been disappointed.

The heroine—Karigan G'ladheon—is older in the book, as is the tone. There are more subplots here, and they are more complex. The heroine remains likable, and the world is described as vividly as ever before. The magic is colorful, the danger and fear are ever-present, and the eerily beautiful Eltians are still enigmatic.

The book is not without flaws. For much of the thick volume, the author builds up the danger, and the main characters, including Kari, are mostly reacting to the puzzling and deadly events. While succeeding in creating suspense, this gets overwhelming at times, as the heroine is carried hither and yon by both threats and responsibilities.

The book ends satisfactorily, although setting up a couple of major threads that still need resolution—hopefully in less than five years. Karigan and her friends have more than a bit of charm, and one is eager to find more about their lives.

Note: there is more information on the author's Web Site.

Art: (click on the thumbnail to see a larger image)

Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 5;

ISBN: 0-7564-0209-3 Order from: Amazon.com