ISBN: 0-671-57847-2 Order from: Amazon.com
A light-hearted, heroic adventure, with plenty of fights, appealing heroine, humor and important but limited magic.
Reviewed by David on January 06, 2000
Genre: Fantasy (Swordfighting, Magic, Mystery)
Synopsis: Kelyn grew up in the tough mountain country dreaming of and resenting her legendary father, who left her mother to gain his fame as a mercenary. When a tragedy removes most of Kelyn's ties to the rough country, she sets out looking for adventure and the trail of her father. In the meantime, she will encounter unfamiliar languages and customs, towns that consider her a barbarian, and plenty of nijustice. Luckily, Kelyn is both a good fighter, and one of the most determined (stubborn) people around. No matter what the trouble is, Kelyn will gladly face it—head-on or obliquely. As long as she doesn't have to get on a horse.
Full Review: A more humorous and lighter fantasy than most of Durgin's novels, this book is a pleasant, mostly uncomplicated adventure. Although not much character development takes place, Kelyn herself, and a couple of other characters are well defined, with their own quirks and foibles engaging the reader's sympathy and interest. While straighforward, the plot has enough twists to maintain suspense, and both magic and fighting skills are shown with real limitations, adding to the solidity of the plot.
In general, this book is recommended for those who like well-executed, entertaining advenuture fantasies.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 4.5;
Copyright date 2000, Baen Publishing Enterprises (Baen), January 2000, Mass market paperback, 309 pages
ISBN: 0-671-57847-2 Order from: Amazon.com