Fortress of Owls

Fortress in the Eye of Time: 3

ISBN: 0-06-105054-7 Order from: Amazon.com

Well-written but overly leisurely third book of the sword and sorcery tetralogy, dealing with politics, magic, ethics and war.

Reviewed by David on December 31, 1998

Genre: Fantasy (Intrigue, Sword and Sorcery)

Synopsis: In this sequel to Fortress in the Eye of Time and Fortress of Eagles, Tristen, a young man created by the late wizard Mauryl, continues his best to cope with the power struggles and inimical spells, while ruling the rebellious province of Amefel for his friend, the young king Cefwyn.

Cefwyn, after achieving his dream of marrying Ninévrisë, the princess of the break-away Elwynor, is continually stymied in his attempts to unify the two neighboring countries by the machinations of the northern barons and the conspiracies of the fanatical priests.

Full Review: 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.

With Tristen firmly in power in Amefel, the heretical province that still clings to the memories of Sihhë lords and magic, he now turns his energy toward deciphering old conspiracies, fortifying the province against the coming war in the neighboring Elwynor, and fighting ominous but ill-defined spells directed against him and his new home. The more mature Tristen attempts to bolster his friend's reign; but his best intentions strengthen the King's enemies in the capital, while bolstering his kingdom militarily.

Tristen is a likable, intelligent hero. His mysterious origins provide him with enormous magical and fighting prowess, while his ignorance (he sprang into being less than a year ago) keeps him humble. Furthermore, he appreciates both common sense and kindness, and is fortunate in his friends, advisors and allies. However, his endless misgivings and apprehensions of vague magical hazards, make for a very slow development through much of the book. The viewpoint is mostly centered on Tristen, with occasional interludes of Cefwyn in the capital. A few times, the viewpoint shifts to Ninévrisë, possibly the most sympathetic character: a princess without a country stranded in a hostile court without the power to save her embattled supporters.

This is a very well written book, with an unfortunately excessive amount of angst and political maneuvering. One could wish for less introspection, vague magical hazards and frustratingly slow political developments, in a shorter, perhaps two-book, format. However, on the positive side, apparently Cherryh has always planned to wrap this story up in four volumes, unlike the many endless fantasy epics infesting the modern bookstores.

Fortress of Owls is recommended for the readers of the previous two novels. The next novel, Fortress of Dragons, will continue the story of Tristen and his friends and foes.

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

ISBN: 0-06-105054-7 Order from: Amazon.com