"A fine fantasy"
For nine centuries since the devastation of the Qirsi Wars,
the Forelands have lived in peace. However, the murder of
Lady Brienne of Kentigern allegedly by her lover Lord Tavis
of Curgh has stirred up emotion especially when the prime
suspect escapes his incarceration. While Tavis flees for
his life, the Qirsi assassins who killed Brienne cause more
havoc in the Forelands as their rumored leader the Weaver
seeks domination through belligerence. Meanwhile some Qirsi mages remain loyal to the current
ministers they have served as advisors for years. Although
their non-sorcerer leaders now fear and distrust them, this
group attempts to stop the "Conspiracy" of their peers that
if successful would turn the subservient class both sides
belong to into the rulers of the Forelands. While civil
war
brews amidst the mages, Tavis plans revenge as his way of
redemption, but fighting powerful enemy magicians seem
doomed from the start. The second book in "The Winds of the Forelands Tetralogy"
is
a straightforward fantasy that never loses its direction
even while numerous subplots abound. The story line is as
action packed as a sword and sorcery tale becomes without
ignoring the cast. Tavis is a wonderful character
struggling to control his ire boiled further by frustration
to find any solid way to enact on his obsession to avenge
and consequently redeem himself. Both sides of the Qirsi
mages make sorcery seem so real so that fantasy fans will
want to join this journey, but for greater delectation
readers should try book one first though David B. Coe's
insure that the SEEDS OF BETRAYAL can stand on its own. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted May 17, 2003
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