THE STILL

Doorstopper fantasy from the author of a paperback military science fiction series, the Seafort Saga. At Castle Stryx, Elena, Queen of Caledon, lies dying; her son and heir, the impatient and thoughtless Rodrigo, has but a single friend, the saintly Rustin, but two younger brothers, Elryc and Pytor. To inherit the Queen's magic Power, known as the Still, Roddy must never tell a lie, he must be chaste, and he must be crowned king. So when Elena expires before Roddy attains his majority, his ambitious, scheming uncle Margenthor, Duke of Stryx, declares himself Regent, refuses to present Roddy to the Council, and grabs the sacred Vessels that comprise the Still. More arrogantly yet, Margenthor snatches Pytor and declares the hastily absent Elryc a traitor. Tantroth of Eiber arrives with his fleet and his army to beseige the castle, forcing Roddy and Rust to follow Elryc into exile. So begins Roddy's quest to find his magic and regain his throne—but first he needs to learn some sharp lessons about life and about himself. Roddy's character transformation from spoiled brat to true prince seems to occupy thousands, not hundreds, of pages; still, younger fantasy addicts should find it well handled and satisfying, if blandly unoriginal. Anticipate sequels.