In
this sequel to Cast of Stones (see my review here), the
kingdom is still in danger. Errol is accused of being part of a
conspiracy to usurp the throne. Too keep them from being executed,
friends in the church hierarchy manage to get Errol convicted of
consorting with spirits. As his punishment, he is put under
compulsion to find Sarin Valon, the one who would overthrow the
kingdom. Knowing he must travel to the enemy kingdom of Merakh, he
convinces a few of his trusted friends (and one possible enemy) to go
with him. Others of Errol's allies are sent to his hometown in an
attempt to find out why Errol is so important to the kingdom. As the
novel progresses, Carr alternates the stories so we follow both sets
of characters in their adventures.
The
epic adventure for Errol Stone continues in this sequel. If you have
not read the first in the series, you will need to do so. So much of
the story line follows what was introduced in the first book you'll
be lost otherwise.
This
book has all the elements of good fantasy. There is a three person
God in whom many believe and try to understand. There are those who
hear from Deas (God) and can direct the saving tasks of others. There
are evil men within the church who would ruin the kingdom. There are
great warriors who will protect Errol and the kingdom with their
lives. There are monsters who would attack those traveling in the
shadowlands at night.
We
see Errol develop into a young man, with the help of his many
friends. He adds to his fighting skills using the sword. He begins to
learn the way of leadership. And he is in head over heels with the
princess who manages to finagle her way onto the journey with Errol
and his companions. Now, if Errol can just keep his wits about him as
the adventure, and danger, intensifies.
And
the end of this novel? My goodness, Carr absolutely leaves us
impatiently waiting for the next book!
Patrick
W. Carr teaches high school math and lives with his wife and four
sons in Nashville, Tennessee. Find out more at www.patrickcarr.com.
Bethany
House, 446 pages.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for
the purpose of this review.
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