Fantasy/SF Book Reviews
The Glasswrights' Apprentice by Mindy L. Klasky
Roc, July 2000Paperback, 336 pages
ISBN: 0451457897
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.

The Glasswrights' Apprentice is an exhilarating new fantasy from attorney turned novelist Mindy L. Klasky. Rani Trader is only 13, but this story will appeal to both the adult and the young adult market. The insight into the glassmaking process is quite interesting, as are the colorful and vivid characters which Rani meets during her journey. Rani herself is complex and quite brave, especially when her entire world is turned upside down. Her journey from the stalls of a merchant to the gilded palace is full of breathless adventure, near escapes and real emotion. Rani Trader deserves to have her story continued in another book -- she's only 13, after all, and there's bound to be much more to her story than we've heard so far.
Hero in the Shadows by David Gemmell
Del Ray, March 2000.Hardcover, 385 pages.
ISBN: 0345432231.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.

David Gemmell is a master of the moody and atmospheric fantasy adventure. The Grey Man is attractively enigmatic; his pain, though well-hidden, is palpable. The fight scenes are especially well-done -- no one would want to be anywhere near the Grey Man when he has his crossbow with him. With adventure, magic and true emotion, Hero in the Shadows is another wonderful gift from the talented David Gemmell.
Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay
HarperPrism, March 2000.Hardcover, 531 pages.
ISBN: 0061051217.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.

The Sarantine Mosaic loosely follows the story of the brilliant but socially inept mosaicist Crispin, who is in the capital city of Sarantium (a fictionalized version of Constantinople) to create a masterpiece in the Emperor's chapel. Crispin isn't to be left to his art for long. There is murder, betrayal, intrigue and war brewing all around him, and his life is inextricably intertwined with powerful women: the Empress, the displaced Queen Gisele of Antae, and the enigmatic Styliane, the wife of the Emperor's most trusted general. If you enjoyed I, Claudius, you will absolutely adore Lord of Emperors. With lyrical prose that is Kay's hallmark and his deft handling of numerous subplots and characters, he expertly and with great emotion portrays life in the Roman Empire -- from the roar of the crowds at the chariot races to the behind the throne plotting of the future of an empire. Highly recommended.
--Claire E. White
Return to the July 2000 issue of The IWJ.
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