ISBN: 0-812-55547-3 Order from: Amazon.com
This start of an epic fantasy series, while well-written and featuring a few original elements, suffers from too many viewpoints, lack of a solid conclusion, and other problems prevalent in most multi-volume fantasy cycles.
Reviewed by David on December 25, 2000
Genre: Fantasy (War, Sword and Sorcery)
Synopsis: Somewhat reminiscent of Tigana, the plot takes place in a country conquered for generations and lacking the hope for independence.
A thousand years before, the island of Sileria was prosperous, independent, and ruled by god-inspired, magic-wielding kings. Destroyed by treachery and civil war, the propserity never returned as one conquerer after another held and robbed the formerly rich lands. The latest—The Valdani Empire—is perhaps the most ambitious of the conquerors. Well organized and numerous, the Valdani stand a chance of conquering the known world, and view Sileria as a well-pacified province and a source of cheap goods. Their ruthless rule does not require many resources—after all, with the blood-feuds and assasin's societies, distrust between different races and classes, the locals slaughter each other even faster than the occupying forces.
In this bitter, impoverished country, a widowed farmer and a small-time struggler becomes infected by a dream—a united, independent Sileria, free of foreign invaders for the first time in a thousand years. The illiterate peasant—Josarian—has the courage, charisma and intelligence to spark the dream in others. A bitter, fierce rebellion starts—and is opposed with slaughter and torture by the Valdani. Portents and prophecies support Josarian, and despite its humble beginnings, the rebellion survives and grows. But the most deadly danger may not be the well-armed Valdani. As it was in the past, the lust of power, envy and jealousy may destroy the hope that the armies of invaders cannot.
Full Review: Many of the characters in this long fantasy are well-drawn and sympathetic. Even the evil Valdani are shown as more than faceless villains. The main plot is believable and emotionally satisfying, although the subplot of portents and supernatural manipulations is irritating, perhaps intentionally so.
The flaws that come with the format, however, are pretty prevalent. There are multiple viewpoints, wide scope and lack of conclusion associated with many multi-volume fantasies. While some readers may appreciate such an approach, after reading multiple epics, one gets fatigued of the open-ended, overly complicated narrative.
Overall: 5; Plot: 5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5; World-building: 5; Originality: 5;
Copyright date 1998, Tom Doherty Associates (Tor), October 2000, Mass market paperback, 724 pages
ISBN: 0-812-55547-3 Order from: Amazon.com