ISBN: 0-765-30561-5 Order from: Amazon.com
An enjoyable fantasy with a world full of economic and military conflicts, clashing cultures, growing up, and magic.
Reviewed by David on December 21, 2002
Genre: Fantasy (Politics, War, Coming of Age)
Synopsis: Corus is a world of rising tensions. Changing economic conditions, exacerbated by ambition and desire for safety pushy stronger countries into redrawing the map, by alliances, intrigue or outright war. The towns of Iron Valleys stir uneasily as their powerful neighbors marshall their armies. The Iron Valleys Militia is no match for the large armies of the larger countries.
However, the Militia has the stubborn determination of the independent families defending their land. None are more independent or more stubborn than the Herders—the scaterred households that raise the deadly Nightsheep in the uncanny territories North of the Iron Valleys.
Alucius, a Herder boy, is as tough and skilled as his veteran grandfather can make him. But once drafted, can Alucius and his Militia fellows stop numerous, well-trained invaders backed by magic?
Full Review: This is a good, solid adventure in the tradition of The Magic of Recluce. A young man grows up with the tradition of strength, magic and discipline, to face a world of war and inimical magic. The world is well portrayed, with seemingly solid motivations for most countries. The head villains are quite sketchy, but the opposing forces are composed of three-dimensional characters, with shades of grey and likable attributes.
The main hero is a bit too consistent, with practically no flaws or strong temptations, and his perceptions of those around are made a bit too obvious with frequently overheard whispers—just to make sure the reader realizes how remarkable Alucius is.
In general, the book is enjoyable, entertaining, with reasonable pacing and several likable characters. The book comes to a satisfying resolution, but the constructed world seems clearly poised for further adventures.
Overall: 6; Plot: 6; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 6; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 2002, Tor, October 2002, Cloth, 558 pages
ISBN: 0-765-30561-5 Order from: Amazon.com