The White Tribunal

ISBN: 0-553-57581-3 Order from: Amazon.com

This pleasant fantasy retelling of the romantic classic The Count of Monte Cristo features both grim and light-hearted moments.

Reviewed by David on November 08, 1998

Genre: Fantasy (Demons, Revenge)

Synopsis: In a country recovering from depredations of black sorcery and magic warfare, a White Tribunal has been formed to hunt out witchcraft and prevent future disaster. As the Tribunal turns more ruthless and arbitrary with time, the fear of magic turns into a reign of terror. When the paranoid reach of the religious zealots touches the prominent family of liMarchborg, the youngest son will face hell, both man-made and supernatural, in search for justice.

Full Review: The story of Tradain liMarchborg follows traditional motifs. The suffering he faces is grim and almost grotesque, as the inquisitorial Tribunal focuses its wrath on his family and that of his childhood friend, the inquisitive young girl Glennian. After his dreams are shattered, he faces years of pain and the insidious threat of despair. When he finally has an opportunity for revenge, he makes a very bad bargain with a demon.

This is a tale of revenge and justice, of horrible suffering caused by petty evil, and the price and elusiveness of justice. Finally, it is a tale of courage and love, with occasional humor and ultimately, hope, and makes for an entertaining, page-turning read.

While not breaking new ground, there is skill and flashes of irony that make this novel interesting. I especially liked the slightly skewed vision of the conventional demons and hell, including the idea of using human souls as toxic waste.

Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 6; Originality: 5.5;

ISBN: 0-553-57581-3 Order from: Amazon.com