"fine epic fantasy"
With the death of Empress Hetha Kevleren, regions of the
powerful far flung Empire of Hamilay see an opportunity to
use the magical force of the Sefid to secede. However, to
be successful at Wielding the magic, sacrifice must occur;
the closer the Wielder cherishes the victim, the more
powerful the usage of the Sefid. The Kevleren have been the
most powerful practitioners, but many believe that the
Duchess Yunara is the strongest magician today though her
sister Lerena is the new Empress. General Third Prince Maddyn Kevleren is unable to work the
magic of the Sefid as his relatives can -especially his
former lover and second cousin Yunara. He tries to make up
for his inadequacy through military prowess, but knows that
in spite of his being the top general in the empire he
remains an embarrassment to his friends. As he angers
Yunara, Maddyn knows he must flee to protect loved ones
from her wrath. He accepts an opportunity to strengthen the
empire's stronghold in the New World, knowing that the
unknown is less dangerous than the known. Simon Brown, renowned for his Keys of Power trilogy,
provides fantasy fans with a terrific new series with the
fabulous Book One of the Chronicles of Kydan. The well
written story line moves on two fronts as Maddyn tries to
serve the new Empress while keeping his loved ones safe
from retaliation; the two royal siblings have troubles
starting with a Rivald revolt and massacre aided by magic
that seems impossible to have occurred the way it
apparently did. Because the key powerful cast seems real,
they make magic appear normal so that epic fantasy readers
will enjoy Mr. Brown's latest saga. Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 9, 2005
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted January 1, 2007
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