A continually fascinating tale with a protagonist who charms, inspires, and evolves.
In the second of O’Connor’s (Silevethiel, 2013, etc.) fantasy series, a princess must overcome her doubts if she’s to help fulfill a prophecy to rescue her world from potential destruction.
Irewen Donríel, quarter-elven princess of the human kingdom of Dargon, is traveling alone to Lündvelle, hoping the Light Elves’ archives hold the prophecy to vanquish an evil from the world of Vaelinel. The spirits of both her mother, who died giving birth to her, and her murdered father warn Irewen that death is imminent. Cousin Elthad, possessed by a being known as the Corrupter, is trailing Irewen with powerful minions, the Drulaack. Irewen hides in the spirit world, alarming her guardian, lionness Silevethiel, who loses her telepathic link to the princess. Meanwhile, Laegon, prince of the Wood Elves’ kingdom, Silverden, decides to go after his love, Irewen, and assembles a rescue party, including his own guardian, Brégen, a handful of warriors, and Silevethiel. When later battling the Drulaack, Laegon uses his ability of sight to probe their minds and fears he’s consequently infected himself with a sort of illness. Irewen, once out of the spirit world, is likely infected as well, which could impede her mission to save Vaelinel. O’Connor’s book thrives on playing with convention, like the possibility of romance between the princess and the prince. Though the two clearly care for one another, they most often argue and banter. It’s rewarding to watch Irewen overcome such obstacles as repression, due in part to her royal upbringing; she’s proud of herself when she tells a villain to leave her alone—in less kind words. The baddies, too, are a formidable presence. The Drulaack have the terrifying capability of crossing over into the spirit world, while the forked-tongue Corrupter is striking, though very little is revealed about him. There’s not much action in terms of plot, but O’Connor adequately sets the stage for the third installment, namely the introduction of an individual whose fate is inextricably tied to Irewen.
A continually fascinating tale with a protagonist who charms, inspires, and evolves.Pub Date: Dec. 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-940417-19-6
Page Count: 312
Publisher: Purple Sun Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 7, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2017
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Another Camelot tale from the author of I Am Mordred brings the character of Morgan le Fay center stage and unfolds a story that is both new and steeped in the traditions of Arthurian legends. Filling the often-overlooked gap between Arthur’s birth and ascension to the throne, Morgan emerges both as a young woman and as a member of the Fays. From the age of six, she slowly begins to learn of the forces that she has inside of herself. What she must discover, in order to truly have power, is how to control them. Springer delicately and seamlessly challenges the reader’s preconceived notions of traditional heroes, heroines, and villains of this story. Merlin borders on villainous; he has chosen the darker half of Fay magic. In the tradition of Camelot, Morgan is a passionate character, and her emotions, whether love or hatred, overflow with an abundance that overpowers her. Her inability to control her passions—her love for her childhood friend, anger towards her mother, hatred of Merlin—closes her off to the rational knowledge of the Fays and eventually leads to her demise. Anyone familiar with the Arthurian tales will appreciate this new feminine dimension. It fits neatly within the larger context while remaining a complete story unto itself. Perfect for the reader who would love, but is not quite ready for, The Mists of Avalon, this is magical storytelling, richly inspired and accomplished. (Fiction. YA)
Pub Date: March 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-399-23451-9
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2001
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Boilerplate fantasy, with characters too often indistinguishable and, later, the deflating disclosure that everything that...
A fantasy venture from the author of the Miles Vorkosigan military-family science fiction series (A Civil Campaign, 1999, etc.). Warrior-diplomat-courtier Cazaril, having been sold into slavery following a disastrous military campaign, finally makes his way home to Valenda after many taxing adventures. To his surprise, he’s offered the position of secretary-tutor to “Royesse” (Princess) Iselle and her companion, Lady Betriz. With the monarch, Orico, ailing, running things are the evil dy Jironal brothers, Chancellor Martous and army chief General Dondo (though it may be a while before readers realize there are two of them. One, or both, betrayed Cazaril). Orico’s indisposition stems from the Curse of Chalion, which sooner or later dooms all members of the royal family. Martous, meanwhile, persuades weak-willed Orico that the horrid Dondo must wed Iselle; appalled, Iselle pleads and shrieks to no avail. Cazaril, sworn to protect and serve Iselle, cannot permit this. But his attempt to use death magic—Cazaril’s death in exchange for Dondo’s—ends bizarrely, with Cazaril still alive, thanks to Iselle’s fervent prayers to the Lady, but Dondo’s soul bound to a death-demon and encysted in Cazaril’s entrails as a tumor! Furthermore, he now finds he has otherworldly vision and has become a living saint!
Boilerplate fantasy, with characters too often indistinguishable and, later, the deflating disclosure that everything that happens is some sort of divine plot. Overall, no better than average, but probably adequate for Bujold fans.Pub Date: Aug. 9, 2001
ISBN: 0-380-97901-2
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2001
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