ISBN: 0-671-57877-4 Order from: Amazon.com
A tense, rustic fantasy with a rural feel, the novel has a sympathetic heroine, ocasionally frustrating relationships, and an ominous but superficial villains.
Reviewed by David on February 06, 2001
Genre: Fantasy (Coming of Age, Magic)
Synopsis: Blaine, a girl growing up in a remote backwards village, is feeling alienated with her dreams of old magic and adventure. When strangers show up in the remote village, Blaine is the first to believe that the old, eagerly-forgotten tales of a desparate struggle are real, and the deadly, sourcerous war is about to reignite. Only this time, the peaceful villagers have none of the Seers to help them in the struggle. It's up to Blaine, and a despised stranger to take up the struggle—with little hope and only old tales for guidance.
Full Review: The novel is rather small in scope: the world is limited to the beatiful and occasionally perilous countryside and a handful of villages. The scope helps keep a tight focus on the protagonists. The main character, Blaine, is sympathetic, and Durgin's affection for dogs and other animals helps in the warm and detailed portrayal of the countryside.
The adventures are sometimes excessively frustrating, with problems exacerbated by ignorance or intentional obscurity of the characters.
The novel has a resolution, albeit with clear hooks for a sequel. The coming of age element is well done, although the two-dimensional nature of the villains, and some of the artificial-seeming obstacles detract somewhat from the fantasy.
This is a pleasant, tense coming-of-age book, that provides plenty of entertainment and ivites continuation.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 2000, Baen Publishing Enterprises (Baen), July 2000, Mass market paperback
ISBN: 0-671-57877-4 Order from: Amazon.com