ISBN: 0-913896-26-8 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
Mythic storytelling, with elements of ancient myth mixed into a rich but static tapestry, the book has impressive texture, but manages to build little sympathy for its characters.
Reviewed by David on October 06, 2003
Genre: Fantasy (Mythic Lands)
Synopsis: The Island of Iankoros has been ruled by its princes for many centuries. Small but prosperous, its latest ruler raised by skilled Sorcerer Theremderis, the land is likely to prosper further. But Prince Evnos is remarkable in many ways. He is more handsome, more couregous, more passionate, more skilled than any that have gone before. And one day, faced with the limitations of humanity, he will challenge more than anyone challenged before. And in the process, change his island forever.
Full Review: The book starts with storyteller's refrain, and the style continues supports the conceit. Like a formal recital of a fantastic tale, the book unwinds like a myth or a Greek tragedy. The world takes shape with exotic, and sometimes horrific details, as well as many historical-sounding details, remimiscent of Jack Vance's formality in Dying Earth, and the gothic horror of Michael Shea's Nifft.
Reminiscent of more than one myth, the story has little humor, but more than a bit of passion and human folly.
Destpite the skillful color, the formality and inevitability of the chosen style rob the fantasy from the emotional involvement in the characters and the plot that provide the best entertainment. Read this if you are in the mood for a traditional fairy tale.
Overall: 4.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 1989, Owlswick Press (Weird Tales Library), 1980, Cloth, 139 pages
ISBN: 0-913896-26-8 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com