"Engaging young adult fantasy tale"
Before dying the Caledon queen informs her son, the soon to
be anointed king Rodrigo, that for him to keep the power of
THE STILL to "read" still water, he must remain a virgin
and never prevaricate. However, before Roddy becomes the
monarch, his Uncle Margenthar declares himself regent, as
the teen is too young to be king. Now Roddy decides it is time for him to be the King, but
Margenthar refuses to give up the regency. Roddy
successfully takes control of Castle Stryx while rallying
his people as King Hriskil's Norlanders invade Caledon.
The war is nasty and Roddy overcomes his advisors' treating
him like a dumb adolescent with the help of his buddy
Rustin. He becomes an adept military leader but he loses
his most important skill, reading the wisdom of still water
as he has wasted the Still. If he fails to regain his
ability, the Norlanders will conquer Caledon. THE KING, the Sequel to THE STILL is an engaging young
adult fantasy tale that is easier to follow if you recently
read the first novel. The story line is exciting though
the continual battles become tedious after a while except
for the more military minded reader. Roddy has matured
from hedonistic snot into caring leader who proves his
mettle though adults think he is a dumb teen. That angle
will hook young readers who will root for the youth to
surpass his elders. David Feintuch's work combines epic
fantasy with a coming of age hero struggling with doing the
right thing. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted July 15, 2002
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