PROPHECY

Continuing the fantasy series begun with Rhapsody (1999), this sequel involves much ado in pursuit of an obscure prophecy, with, of course, the fate of the world hanging in the balance. The F’dor, a powerful fire demon, wants to wake up the Primal Wyrm from its slumber at the heart of the world; this will make things much warmer and cozier for the F’dor, but incidentally destroy the world. Taking up round two of the struggle are: beautiful Rhapsody, with her Namer-magic and flaming sword; Achmed the renamed, clairvoyant assassin; and Grunthor the gigantic Bolg warrior with his earth-powers. Each volume is more or less self-contained, with respectable ideas, plotting, and characters—within the confines of conventional fantasy.