Fantasy/SF Book Reviews
The Awakened City by Victoria Strauss
Eos, March, 2006Hardcover, 464 pages
ISBN: 038097892X
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
After the shocking events narrated in The Burning Land,
the Empire of Arsace faces an uncertain future. The
Brethren of the First Temple of the Gods
are determined to retain their hold on the
society as the religious leaders of the land. After destroying
the renegade sorcerers of Refuge, they believed that the rivals are all dead.
But the powerful Ravar, who is the most skilled Shaper to
be born in generations, survived the destruction of his beloved Refuge,
and is now consumed with hatred and a longing for vengeance against the Brethren.
His epic plans for revenge are put in motion when he declares that he is
the Next Messenger.
The Next Messenger is the herald who prepares the way for the return of the
now-sleeping God Ârata. Ravar has another
obsession: the beautiful Axane whom he grew up with in Refuge. Ravar
kidnapped Axane, but then let her go.
Ravar once again kidnaps Axane, who is now a mother living with
her husband Gyalo Amdo Samchen, the former Aratist monk and talented Shaper
who everyone believes is dead. Gyalo sets out to rescue Axane, who is
traveling with Ravar and his fanatical followers towards the city of
Baushpar for a final confrontation with the Brethren. Gyalo
is horrified by Ravar's plans and is desperate to save his wife and child.
But he has another problem: it's starting to look like Gyalo himself
may be the real Next Messenger. And that's a path that he has no desire whatsoever to follow.
In this stunning conclusion to the story began in The Burning Land, Victoria Strauss combines a vastly entertaining action adventure with a moving story of two powerful men and their epic clash in a society that is dominated by a fanatical and oppressive religion. Ms. Strauss skillfully creates a fantastic and realistic world peopled by fascinating characters who struggle with questions about faith, destiny and finding one's place in the world.
--Claire E. White
Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (Star Wars) by James Luceno
Del Rey, November, 2006Hardcover, 336 pages
ISBN: 0345477324
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
After the events chronicled in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,
fans have been wondering what Darth Vader did next after his transformation
from Anakin Skywalker into a cyborg-human Sith Lord. James Luceno
picks up during the last days of the Clone Wars, when the new Darth Vader
must come to terms with his new life and his overwhelming desire
for revenge against those he feel wronged him in his previous life.
The transformation of Anakin into the Emperor's chief assassin
is not an easy one, but he finds his focus when he begins to hunt down
and kill the remaining few Jedi Knights. On the Outer Rim world
of Murkhana, Jedi Masters Roan Shryne and Bol Chatak and Padawan Olee Starstone are some of the few Jedi Knights remaining alive. When their clone
allies suddenly turn against them, they are forced to go on the run in a world
that has suddenly turned viciously hostile to all Jedi. And the newly-minted
Lord Vader will not rest until they are all dead. James Luceno keeps the
action moving and ties up several loose ends from the film, making this
a must-read for Star Wars fans.
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