November 20, 2006
For lovers of Dragonlance-style fantasy, Newcomb's second entry in his Destinies of Blood and Stone series (after 2005's Savage Messiah
) wonderfully captures the imagination with wildly overblown characters and improbable battle scenes. On the other hand, fans of more cohesive epic fantasy may find tiresome the convoluted action sequences featuring Prince Tristan, who the author constantly reminds the reader serves as a sort of prophetic pawn. Tristan's endowed blood is the most potent in the land of Eutracia, but he has never been trained to use the magic inside him—nor does he appear to want to learn. Instead, Tristan becomes enamored of a martial-arts mystical state called K'Shari, which makes the recipient nearly invincible in battle. Those who prefer their fantasy full of blood and torture, with a cast restricted to good people and evil nemeses, will be most rewarded.
January 1, 2007
A creature of purest evil, master of both the craft of magic and a long-forgotten school of weaponry, has bridged the magical barrier that protects the land of Eutracia from the forces of darkness and now seeks to challenge Prince Tristan for dominion over the land. Before they meet, however, Tristan must master his own powers and journey with his companions into danger and darkness. The sequel to "Savage Messiah" continues Tristan's tale as he seeks to fulfill his destiny. Set in the same universe as is "The Chronicles of Blood and Stone" epic fantasy saga, Newcomb's latest addition vividly portrays the ongoing struggle between good and evil. Reminiscent in scope and detail of the works of Terry Goodkind and Robert Jordan, it is recommended for most fantasy collections.
Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2007
Prince Tristan and allies defeated invasion by Wulfgar, and the prince healed the wounded Orb of the Vigours, the great artifact of honestly practiced sorcery. Before the latter, however, the orb cut a pass through the mountains protecting Eutracia that now needs constant watching. The allies also must look out for fugitive Wulfgar followers--possible sorcerers capable of inordinate destruction. Despite a fairly straightforward main plot, the many characters and subplots, and references to events in " Savage Messiah" (2005), may confound newcomers to the Destinies of Blood and Stone trilogy, though not much if they like long, active yarns. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)