ISBN: 0-451-45950-4 Order from: Amazon.com
An entertaining if predictable fantasy with battles, magic, intrugue and plucky protagonist.
Reviewed by David on February 06, 2005
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Reisil is rather pleased with her life, despite the loneliness or a parentless childhood. The people of Kallas have been kind, if not loving, and Reisil's hard study is paying off in the respect paid to her profession—a valuable healer. Her plans for the future are at risk however, as war and politics intrude on her town. The fate offers Reisil a role full of responsibility, but one of endless travel and loneliness. Not an easy choice for a young woman who at last made a home for herself, and one that will have consequences for many.
Full Review: The world is Kodu Riik, in which young Reisil lives is well-drawn, but rather conventional. So are the gifts that are offerred, and sometimes thrust upon the woman protagonist.
In contrast to the predictability of the plot, the characters are interesting, and exhibit glances of humor, conflict and sadness which make the novel attractive.
Clearly designed for further development, the adventure in this novel is complete in itself, and provides satisfaction and diversion, but little originality.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 4.5;
Copyright date 2003, Penguin Group (Roc), November 2003, Mass-market, 369 pages
ISBN: 0-451-45950-4 Order from: Amazon.com