Book two in the Chronicles of the Lescari Revolution is as compelling as Irons in
the Fire. Indeed, once the bump of the first couple of chapters is over, it is
exceedingly difficult to put this book down or to stop thinking about what might
next transpire.
We begin in the first morning of the Autumn Equinox festival with Tathrin,
who continues his reluctant transformation from Vanam scholar to doubting
mercenary, yet one thing is certain: the revolution must continue despite the horrific
bloodshed. Aremil is beset with equal doubts, heightened by his disabilities and
worsened by his grasp of artifice.
Obviously, the first thirty to forty pages are the lull before the storm, where
the main characters’ key motivations are recapped, ready for the first battle at
Triolle where another despotic duke is disposed of. Hereon in, the revolutionary army
led by Captain-General Evord gathers pace and from five contrasting viewpoints
we see, hear, smell, feel but most importantly empathise with the plight of those
individuals desperate to bring a lasting peace to Lescar.
But at what price does this peace come? As the story lines unravel, peoples’
allegiances shift, views alter, politics are played, sides are changed. This is life.
This is the beauty of Juliet E. McKenna's writing: how escapism meshes with reality to be guided by the domestic nature that forms the heart of all her intricate characters.
Together, they produce a potent spell and create a living, breathing tale that is
wonderful to behold.
If this is not enough, for those battle-hardened warmongers, there are
elaborate and original battles - experienced from both sides, and from both the
aloof Raven playing generals and the messengers forcing their way through the
grime to carry written instructions to and from besieged captains.
One shortfall of the tale would have to be the sex scenes, which are still very
much ‘closed door’ affairs. Poor Tathrin in that brothel. When he finally succumbs
to the weariness dogging him and is helpless to the allurements of the young
woman Sorgrad and Gren have instigated to relax him, he continues worrying. This
time it is about what his love, Failla, might think of him. A proper gentleman.
Finally, without meaning to spoil the story, one of the most memorable
chapters involves the magical duel betwixt Sorgrad and Gren and A.N.Other
characters, the outcome of which rocks everyone’s world, drives a wedge between
certain relationships, and sows the seeds (maybe) for the next instalment: Banners
in the Wind.
Blood in the Water (2010)
Juliet E. McKenna
Solaris
Review by Kelvin M. Knight
Published online
(02/09/10).
|
 |
