SORREL

Despite the title, this third volume in the fantasy series isn’t about Sorrel, but about the shapeshifting heroine Clovermead’s moral growth, as seen in their evolving relationship. As Demoiselle of Chandlefort, Clovermead is sent to the steppes to seek allies among the Tansyards in the fight against the demonic Lord Ursus. Sorrel (her best friend and secret crush) discovers that his former Horde was not wiped out, as he had believed; in the deadly mines remain slaves to the bear-priests. Clovermead learns the terrible price of duty when she puts her diplomatic mission above their rescue. Repeatedly forced to sacrifice friendship, vengeance, compassion, truth and lives, all “for the greater good,” she is at last confronted with choosing between being a leader and being true to herself. Clovermead continues to be a complex and appealing character, and her opponents, even when steeped in villainy, display realistic motivations and a sense of honor. As always, fans will appreciate the evocative and psychologically acute scenes of brutal battle, wrenching torture, tender romance and mystical revelation; but they will also become increasingly frustrated at the lack of resolution as the series inches toward a climactic confrontation. (Fantasy. 12+)