Fortress of Dragons

Fortress in the Eye of Time: 4

ISBN: 0-06-105055-5 Order from: Amazon.com

A well-written narrative, populated with solid and likeable characters, sword battles and intricate history, this novel suffers from slow plot and the oppressive and confusing amount of fears, misgivings, doubts and portents experienced by the hero.

Reviewed by David on July 15, 2000

Genre: Fantasy (Intrigue, Sword and Sorcery)

Synopsis: In Fortress in the Eye of Time, the exiled young prince Cefwyn and suspected Sihhë Tristen become friends when treachery and magic combine in the assault on the kingdom of Ylesuin. In Fortress of Eagles, Cefwyn struggled desperately to strengthen his grasp on power, while Tristen gained knowledge and maturity. In Fortress of Owls, Tristen became a bit more active, a recently appointed Duke of Amefel, a critical and not always loyal province.

After a long period of intrigue, Ylesuin turns back to war. Despite overt and covert opposition, King Cefwyn is firm enough in his power to start moving against his wife Ninévrisë's enemy, the rebel lord Tasmôrden who captured power in Elwynor and has proclaimed himself the High King.

As the two friends prepare for war from two different cities, the young King Cefwyn struggles with treachery, as Tristen fights with the darkest magic. For a force older than history, and as terrifying as Tristen's perilous powers, is behind all plots, past and present. And death is no barrier to entry in this ancient struggle.

Full Review: This eagerly awaited conclusion to the tetralogy brings the well-deserved satisfaction to the slowly, even painfully constructed character of Tristen and his links of friendship.

While in admiration of the author's never-flagging ability to breathe life into tense, anxious and regret-filled characters pressured by crises, one is fatigued by the amounts of the inner dialogue that takes place between scarce actions. Effective as this technique proves for build-up of anticipation and apprehension, the actual conflict seems anticlimactic.

The vague and never-quite-resolved mystical conflicts and threats add to the sense of frustration and confusion to this otherwise excellent novel.

While quite enjoyable, and superb in its narrow and sharp focus on a handful of solid, three-dimensional characters, one could wish for a shorter, and more action-oriented tale from one of the best-regarded authors of modern science fiction.

Overall: 6.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 6;

ISBN: 0-06-105055-5 Order from: Amazon.com