ISBN: 0-451-45991-1 Order from: Amazon.com
Pleasant characters and original magic structures make this en enjoyable novel, despite somewhat predictable political intrigue.
Reviewed by David on April 03, 2005
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Reisil, a former healer now given magical powers, is in a difficult position. Distrusted by the nobility, seen as an obstacle by those with ambitions on her country, and having a lot of troubles controlling her power, Reisil has few friends. Worse yet, the goddess of her land has receeded, and in her absence the country is threatened by a deadly plague as well as monsters.
Reisil must decide whom to trust, and how to save her country, with neither divine guidance, nor trustworthy leaders.
Full Review: This continuation takes Reisil and her friends—the few that remain—into a darker and more uncertain territory. After the first book of the trilogy (Path of Honor), this seens like Empire Strikes Back. The relatively upbeat victory now turns into a sea of danger. The political factions, the remaining wizards, magical hazards make for a dark plot. The main character is both plausible and sympathetic. Some of the supporting characters are interesting as well, although the negative ones seem to lack complexity.
The magic system is fresh if not terribly unusual. Alas, the political and magical intrigues seem predictable, making the book less original as a whole.
On the whole, there is enough tension, fighting, and interesting characters to look forward to the next book in the series, where one hopes some of the threads are resolved.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 2004, Penguin Group (Roc), December 2004, Mass-market, 392 pages
ISBN: 0-451-45991-1 Order from: Amazon.com