ISBN: 0-679-88289-8 Order from: Amazon.com
This second book in a fantasy series is a pleasant, if rather typical, juvenile with a plucky young heroine, learning her powers, the responsibilities of friendship, and fear and exultation of deadly struggle.
Reviewed by David on June 20, 1999 (rev. 1)
Genre: Fantasy (Sword and Sorcery, Juvenile, Coming of Age, Intrigue)
Synopsis: After bandits had slayed Daine's family, she was given a shelter by a wolf pack. Now, the pack has called on Daine for help. The beautiful valley where the pack has settled, is under assault by tree-cutters, chemical run-off and dangerous magic.
However, when evidence of treachery is uncovered, Daine and her teacher and friend Numair have a lot more to deal with than pollution.
Full Review: This is another pleasant installment in the series started with Wild Magic. Daine is maturing, both in her powers and responsibilities, and her assurance in dealing with friends. Her growing affection for her teacher Numair adds a subtle but warm touch to her putative apprentice role.
The beasts are rather anthopomorphic, with a common fantasy asumption that anyone who can speak an animal's (or that of magical race, or foreign visitors) language will automatically get their obedience. However, the typical props aside, this is a delightful juvenile adventure.
Universe: Tortall
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 5;
Copyright date 1994, Random House, 1997, Mass market paperback, 299 pages
ISBN: 0-679-88289-8 Order from: Amazon.com