Bantam, Jul 2001, 5.99, 436 pp.
ISBN: 0553581007
General Tulkham and his Gnebile army recently conquered Fair Isle, home to the powerful T'EN mage feared by mere mortals. To solidify his rule, he beds Imoshen, a female T'EN. Though part of the defeated race and now carrying the conqueror's child, Imoshen show no fear of the General. Instead she tries to educate him that a castle is not a home unless the couple living there trust one another.
Click here to see the rest of this review...
Tulkham wants to trust Imoshen, but fears her ability to read his mind or use her skills to take control of his mind. His advisors add doubts about her fidelity and loyalty. Since he comes from a place where women are treated as lower than chattel as opposed to this isle where equality exists, he struggles with this paradigm switch also. The opposition leader, a male T'EN wants more than just kicking Tulkham and his troops off Fair Isle, he demands Imoshen join his side.
Cory Daniells has written an appealing epic romantic fantasy that rivals the best works of Norton and Lackey in fashioning a make believe world that seems so real readers will use Mapquest or an atlas to find directions to Fair Isle. The conflicts (internal and external) of the key characters add tension and depth to the strong story line. Fans of romance and fantasy will enjoy this engaging tale.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner
