A GALLERY OF MOTHERS

In this fantasy sequel, will love conquer all?

There are three perspectives in Latshaw’s book. The narrative toggles between “THEN,” the actions in the dim past—roughly readers’ present—when Sean Brathius sets everything in motion; “NOW”; and “ICELYN,” those “NOW” parts that Icelyn Brathius, the hero of the author’s previous volume, The Threat Below (2015), imparts to the audience. Sean, a scientific genius, created the Croathus, a race intended to work for humans and have benevolent feelings for them. But then, in the best fantasy tradition—playing God seldom ends well—things go horribly awry. Sean’s prime creations (super-Croathus?) are the brothers Amperous and Omathis. They both escape their lab confinement in a rage, and their differing feelings—Amperous’ deep and lasting enmity and Omathis’ ambivalence toward their creator—are important elements in the plot. Sean tries with sketchy biochemistry to renew feelings of love in the Croathus. But at a critical moment, Travis Nilsing, his son-in-law, instead commits a destructive act that affects the Croathus population. Nothing good comes of that, needless to say, and the rest of the book encompasses the playing out of that misguided deed. Those who have not read the first volume will be somewhat, though not hopelessly, lost (Who are the Anaghwins? Who is Belubus?). But Latshaw is an accomplished writer, and he will keep readers enthralled. Icelyn is as attractive and spirited a character as she was in the first installment and much wiser now. The old theme of the arrogance of the scientist is handled well. Sean genuinely loved his creations and wanted affection in return. But eventually, he tried too many times and made things just too complicated. He finally makes one last attempt. Will his descendant Icelyn—who had left the family’s Mountaintop preserve—be able to unite the races?

There is something for every fantasy fan in this engaging tale about a brilliant scientist.