by
Sarah Ash
ISBN: 0-553-81470-2 Order from: Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Amazon.ca
A large-scale fantasy filled with political struggles, standard fantasy warfare, intrigue, and personal development of several generally likable characters.
Reviewed by David on May 01, 2004
Synopsis: Once the vast country of Rossiya was one empire. But the sons of the last emperor have quarreled bitterly and split the country into multiple kingdoms.
Centuries later, an ambitious prince seeks to become the new emperor. Armed with cunning, discipline and the help of a powerful sorceror he manipulates other countries in his quest.
But those affected by the events have their own goals and pains. And the ambitious prince is not immune to human passions and vulnerabilities.
Full Review: The world borrows color from the Russian history: names, climate and many social developments have the flavor of the last years of the Romanoff dynasty. But the plot has its own originality, as does the industrial environment. There are firearms, as well as swords, with a conflict of traditional, backward warriors of Azhkendir, disdaining firearms, and the modern, disciplined and numerous regiments of Tielen. The author weaves color and folklore from several Eastern European countries, making for a more interesting world.
The characters are well-described, but follow conventions: the unknowing heir, heir and prey to terrifying and powerful magic, an abused and disdained servant girl, full of courage and strength from her own unkown legacy.
The book traces several individuals, sometimes complicating the reader experience by suspending narrative threads at cliff-hangers. The plot advances, but clearly requires further sequels to show its resolution.
While skillful, the book shows many conventions of the multi-volume fantasy epics, and loses some suspense in its elaborate and voluminous display of a political struggle.
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5; World-building: 6; Originality: 4.5;
Copyright date 2003, Transworld Publishers (Bantam Books), 2004, Mass-market, 688 pages
ISBN: 0-553-81470-2 Order from: Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Amazon.ca