From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7 The magician Armindor and his young apprentice Tigg are returning from their journey into the Wild Lands (described in McGowen's The Magician's Apprentice Lodestar, 1987). They rescue Jilla, a young puppeteer, the only survivor of a wandering troupe. With her they travel to the city of Inbal, to take to the Sages there some mysterious and possibly magical objects that they have found. They also want to warn the High Council about a frightening race of rat-like creatures, the Reen, who are plotting to take over the land. Readers of the earlier book will recognize, in the strange artifacts that Armindor and Tigg carry, remnants of our own culture, and remember that McGowen's setting is thousands of years in the future, when civilization is struggling to re-establish itself after nuclear holocaust. As the three wait out the winter in Inbal disguised as puppet players, events move to an exciting climax. Characters and setting are quickly drawn but with a color which brings them all to life. McGowen does not talk down to his readers, but gives them the harsh realities of his medieval-style setting. Shorter and easier to read than others of this genre, this series should help introduce many young readers to good fantasy. Ruth S. Vose, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
