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Book Review By john
The Mystery of Lord Sha by Erik L'Homme

The Mysteries of Lord Sha by Erik l'homme is the sequel to the first book in his ‘Book of the stars' series. It follows Robin Penmarch, a 13 year old apprentice sorcerer who is especially gifted. He is taught by the sorcerer Quadehar.

The Book of the Stars series is set on the lost Isle, a magical land that split of from the real world long ago, falling into a different dimension. On the lost isle there are two doors, one to the real word and one to the ‘Uncertain world'. In the first book Robin and his friends journey into the Uncertain world where they escape great peril thanks to Robin's magic, but only just. A "Dark Lord" is after Robin, but no one knows why.

When the guild (sorcerer's federation) attacks the Dark Lord, led by Queadehar, Robin is locked up in an old monastery for his own safety. Whilst the Sorcerers are getting massacred outside the Dark Lord's front gate in the Unknown World, Robin discovers a startling truth about his own past. Meanwhile Robin is confused about his relationship with two of his friends Amber and Agatha, which forms a vicious love triangle.


Plot & Themes
Tone of book - very upbeat
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - fantasy world/fantasy past
Coming of age Yes
Youngster becomes - a powerful magician
Romance Yes
Romance plotlets: - love triangle/polygon
Is this an adult or child's book? - Kid's book (ages 7-14)
Descript. of chases or violence - 20 %
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30 %
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30 %
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20 %

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status:
Age: - a teen
If magical mental powers: - can cast many different spells

Main Adversary
Identity: - An "It".
Age: - long-lived adults
Profession/status:
Has magical powers? Yes
Magical/mental powers of main antagonist: - can cast all sorts of spells
Eccentric: Yes
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - almost none
How sensitive is this character?
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Very much smarter than other characters

Setting
Earth setting: - current (early 21st century)
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Writing Style
Accounts of torture and death? - no torture/death
scientific jargon? (SF only) - none/very little science jargon needed
How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
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