Author: H. David Blalock

ISBN: 1591135133

The following review was contributed by: Paul Lappen: CLICK TO VIEW Paul Lappen's Reviews

Here is the third in a series about the island of Adylonis, and the Houses vying
for control of the island. After many years of vacancy, Andalarn Thran, leader
of House Thran, is named Ascendant (in effect, Prime Minister of the island
under the Emperor on the mainland). This is guaranteed to upset a lot of people,
starting with House Suum, a military House who makes no secret of its desire to
become Ascendant, and wipe House Thran off the map.

At the end of the previous volume, Thran's son, Daepar, who was left in charge
of House Thran, is found dead. Thran vows revenge on House Suum, the most likely
suspect, with or without the consent of the Council at Moorkai, Adylonis'
governing body. War is declared, and after many have died, Thran is presented
with evidence that Suum really is innocent. The real culprits are the verni, an
ancient reptilian race with their own agenda. Thran resigns from the Ascendancy,
knowing that it will be given to House Suum.

Years later, Andalarn the Younger occupies a senior position on the Council, but
watches as the Ascendancy goes to House Djemo. Andalarn discovers that Djemo has
gotten assistance from some dangerous, and very illegal, sorcery. He is offered
the Ascendancy in exchange for his silence. An attack is launched, with Andalarn
at its head, against Moorkai, Adylonis' capital, and Djemo's headquarters. He
has imposed martial law on the city, and has plenty of weapons against an
attack.

This is another strong, well-done fantasy story. It is interesting, with good
characters, and the reader will not be disappointed.