Book of Shadows

ISBN: 0-441-07069-8 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com

A conventional, rather abrupt, fantasy adventure putting courageous, intelligent heroes on a quest to defeat an evil force.

Reviewed by David on April 11, 1999

Genre: Fantasy (Quest)

Synopsis: A young wizard, one of the last of the dying breed, a clairvoyant gypsy, and a thief, are forced by circumstance to struggle against the gathering threat of the demon Quecora. Centuries ago, the awsome evil of Quecora has been defeated at the cost of a continent in ruins and a people destroyed. However, now Quecora wakes again, weaker but with more subtlety. Using the greed, anger and lust of humans, he is manipulating the nations into the frenzy of war and chaos, while preparing the world for his dominion. The three unlikely heroes are all that recognize the threat in this era of dying magic.

However, Quecora has perceived the young wizard Willan, Nara the unhappy gypsy seer and the cheerful thief Britar. Weakened by his defeat, the demon is still strong enough to kill. Faced with Quecora's magic, and his unwitting allies' malice, the trio have to stay alive long enough to frustrate Quecora's plans.

Full Review: This rather conventional fantasy does have some original features. For one, the author is quite comfortable with the conventions of modern fantasy, and uses the tropes deftly and economically. However, this economy is carried quite far. Except for the three main characters, the rest of the population is barely are shadows on the wall. Even the three heroes: Willan, Nara and Britar, while intelligent, and at times dryly humorous, are quite sparing of dialogue or emotion, and their comaraderie has little tension, affection or growth.

The plot seems rather abrupt as well, with rapid developments and spare descriptions. On the whole, this sparseness of development, combined with a rather plain style, leaves this fantasy with little emotional depth or sense of wonder.

Overall: 4.5; Plot: 4.5; Characters: 4.5; Style: 4; World-building: 4; Originality: 5;

ISBN: 0-441-07069-8 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com