Order the book!! (LARGE FORMAT PAPERBACK)
Review By Robert Thompson 9/25/99
Order the book!! (LARGE FORMAT PAPERBACK)
This is the authors first novel, and was published by a small publisher in Colorado. Based upon what I read, I think one of the big publishers will be putting her under contract soon... I really enjoyed the story.
Prince Herric is the Heir to Alric, the Wolf King of Athgar. Although Herric would rather avoid the trappings of position and power, and spend his time studying, his honor will not permit otherwise.
Athgar is continuing a war against the invading "barbarian" Halga, who lose most of the battles, but are invading on so many fronts, that it is inevitable that they will eventually be overrun. Herric, although young , proves to be a superb General.
Coerced into marriage with Elaine, the very young princess of a neighboring kingdom for the reinforcements the alliance will give him, He must forsake his "true love" Gwyneth. While the marriage gained him some allies, it also gave him some new enemies within his own country - Gwyneth, her brother Brant, who was once Herric's best friend, and some of Brant's friends and retainers.
There are other Lords of the Realm that are against Herric- some because they envy his position, others because they fear he has been tainted by evil Sorcery. His Father, King Alric is often ambivalent about him- Mourning the death of his eldest son Elwin who had been groomed to take over the kingdom after him, he often under-valued Herric's abilities.
The only people that really have any faith in Herric are his soldiers and his child-bride Elaine. and as a result of this, Herric must not only fight the battle against the barbarians on many fronts, he must also fight constant political battles, and fight his father who is a pretty good King, but not a great father.
About 2/3 of the way through the story, it becomes apparent that the Halga are not the real threat to the kingdom- They are just a tool being used by a greater danger.--- Well, that is enough of the story- read it to find out the rest.
This book just missed being Great. It is a superb first effort. I admired the honor and courage of Herric. Elaine matures rapidly into a heroine in her own right. The battle scenes are well written, The political in-fighting is realistic, and the character development is very good. I look forward to her next book.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
