ISBN: 0-756-40518-1 Order from: Amazon.com
An excellent science fiction novel, featuring engaging characters, deep worldbuilding, and suspense; with satisfying resolutions while preserving open questions for a sequel.
Reviewed by David on July 05, 2008
Genre: Science Fiction (Aliens, Biology)
Synopsis: This is the sequel to Reap The Wild Wind, in which the author introduces a complex world, Cersi. Three intelligent species live on Cersi: the ground-tunneling Oud, the life-manipulating Tikitik, and the human-like Om'ray. The Om'ray, whose sympathetic point of view is used for the series, are the weakest and most vulnerable to changes in the Balance that controls the three species.
Two adolescents, Aryl and Enris, are set adrift from their distant Om'ray tribes, and do their best to survive the perilous world, and to preserve what they can of their families and species. In the process, they gain partial understanding of their mystery-shrouded world, and both struggle with and cause changes there. They develop emotionally as well, forced by biology and circumstance to mature, holding on to a measure of hope and happiness, and create them for others.
Full Review: In this second book of the series, we spend less time learning the environment and more on sheer adventure. There are still mysteries and discoveries for the reader and the book's characters, but a lot of the plot occurs using existing characters and species.
The two main characters, as well as their support casts, gain depth and continue to be engaging. Frequently bewildered and distressed, Enris and particularly Aryl rise to the challenge, and adopt as well as help others. Most adversaries gain some depth as well, usually portrayed with hint of their own needs and desperation, creating a world of conflicting fears and needs rather than villains.
Along with the path of discovery and emotional growth, the main characters develop physically, in ways both familiar and exotic due to Om'ray being not human.
The book resolves some important plot points, and serves rare but very satisfying emotional rewards interspersed with generous amounts of suspense, danger and loss. A lot of mysteries are left over for a sequel, but the conclusion to this book is very satisfying.
The novel is an excellent portrayal of the universe of Trade Pact (to which it is a distant prequel), and develops very appealing characters. The sheer amount of mystery and secrets occasionally overwhelms the reader as it does the young protagonists; still, the plot leaves one wanting more, to shed some light but mostly because one cares for the characters.
Universe: Clan Chronicles
Overall: 7.5; Plot: 7; Characters: 7.5; Style: 7.5; World-building: 8; Originality: 7.5;
Copyright date 2008, DAW Books, September 2008, Cloth
ISBN: 0-756-40518-1 Order from: Amazon.com