Lyonesse Book II: Darksolstice [Hardcover]

DARKSOLSTICE is the second book in Sam Llewellyn's original and imaginative Arthurian series, Lyonesse. It opens with Idris exiled from his rightful kingdom and in search of his sister Morgan, who has been captured by corsairs and sold into slavery in Aegypt. While still carrying the sword Cutwater and the scabbard Holdwater, Idris finds that his ability to read minds is fading. He must rely on his intelligence and ability to lead others to obtain his objectives: rescuing his sister and saving the kingdom of Lyonesse before it sinks forever into the dark waters that threaten to overwhelm it.

In the first book, THE WELL BETWEEN THE WORLDS, Llewellyn introduced the mythical land of Lyonesse, a place where monsters are pulled from dark wells to fuel the land's growing industry. When exposed to air, the monsters burn "...hotter than trees... burn stone and make metal run like water." Idris originally encountered these beings as a monstergroom, hearing their silent screams in his mind as they were burned for fuel. He also discovered that the wells were poisoning Lyonesse, twisting minds and blighting the land so nothing can grow on it. When he accidentally removes a sword from a stone, Idris discovers he has another destiny: he is king of Lyonesse, rightful heir to the throne now occupied by the monstrous regent Fisheagle and her cruel son.

DARKSOLSTICE finds Idris struggling to assert his kingship while far away from the land he rules. He discovers that the rulers of neighboring kingdoms are not keen to come to the aid of a 13-year-old king, no matter what sword he carries. Relying on his wits and natural leadership abilities, Idris bets the other rulers that if he can rescue his sister from Aegypt --- a land from which no one returns --- they will come to the aid of Lyonesse. Thinking he will not survive, the rulers readily pledge their support, not realizing they will be called to play a part in a tale that will outlast the ages.

As he travels to Aegypt, Idris encounters a series of companions. Their names --- Gawaine, Tristan, Galahd, Lanz --- reveal that these are the famed Knights of the Round Table before they've achieved their glory. Llewellyn even gives a glimpse into the origins of the table's shape. Knowing "...he was not big enough to be much of a fighter or old enough to be much of a governor...fairness was the only tool he had," Idris says he will only sit at the head of the table on the condition that the table is round. Llewellyn writes, "And from that time forward they say around the heartstone in a circle, and were knit by the circle, so that the strength of one was the strength of all."

This theme of unity is repeated throughout the book as Idris gathers his companions and solicits the aid of others. The smaller adventures at the beginning of the novel --- like his encounter with the Flashers, web-footed people who build and break dams --- serve a greater purpose at the end. Even his journey to Aegypt --- in which he encounters new and mysterious forces, the Old Ones who rule Aegypt "by crushing, mostly" --- brings him closer to his destiny and what he must ultimately do to save his drowning land.

Destiny plays a big part in Llewellyn's tale and in Idris's reluctant grasp of power. Towards the end of the book, during a confrontation with Fisheagle, she says, "Your life has has not been what you have chosen." Idris replies, "Nobody's is. Destiny drives us all." In these types of tales where magical swords abound, it is easy to think of destiny as a force that elevates a fisherboy to a king. But Llewellyn makes it clear that destiny drives a hard bargain. In a heartbreaking scene where he is reunited with his friend and teacher Ambrose, Idris discovers that he must give up the sword Cutwater, which has accompanied him through all his adventures. Reluctant to part with what he has viewed as the source of his power, he remembers the words of a fellow ruler: "Swords do not make Kings. It is the other way around."

The conclusion may surprise some readers. Together with his companions and the people of his country, Idris makes an enormous sacrifice. I will not reveal how the book ends, but I promise you this: Sam Llewellyn's Lyonesse is Arthur like you have never seen him before.

In a kingdom where corruption and power reign, and where well waters are poisoned, lives Idris. Idris Limpet is no longer an ordinary schoolboy. Since pulling the sword out of the stone, he's become Idris House Draco, rightful king and ruler of Lyonesse. Saved from the execution block and trained to be a monstergroom and knight, he is Lyonesse's only hope.

But he is a king in exile.

His kingdom has been taken over by Fisheagle, a half-woman/half-monster, and her cruel son, Murther. His sister, Morgan, is a slave in the wicked land of Aegypt. Now, he only has until the Darksolstice to find his sister and save his homeland before Fisheagle destroys them both.

Determined to rescue her, he sets out on a quest and meets Gawaine, Galahad, and Tristan. After travels that involve imprisonment and unlikely escapes - aided by similarly unlikely allies - Idris and his band arrive in Aegypt only to discover that Morgan may be dead.

Will Idris find his sister alive? Will he be able to save Lyonesse?

DARKSOLSTICE is a great fantasy adventure for fans of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. A great prequel to the well-known tales, this book has well-developed characters, a fast-moving plot, and a great storyline. Those who have read the first book in the LYONESSE series, THE WELL BETWEEN THE WORLDS, or who are fans of fantasy and adventure, will truly enjoy reading this book.

Reviewed by: Kira M

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