The Silver Hand [Hardcover]

Llydd is soon forced to face a monumental decision and realizes that in order to do that which he originally set out to do, he must bend himself to the will of wise bard and friend Tegid Tethal regarding a crucial subject. Now that Meldryn Mawr is dead, Albion and her people need a new King. Therefore, due to his closeness qirh Meldryn, Llydd is chosen King and given the name Llew.

Naturally the dawn of Llew's Kingship does not sit well with others among the populace and stiff opposition is faced. During the conflict, flight, and journey that ensues Llew will grow to be called Silver Hand, for a reason that is self-explanatory but I will not divulge it. Read it yourself and see how it fits into the story well.
The meat of this book is the story of the quest to oust a villainous claimant to the throne of Albion. Again, it is filled with rich examples of Celtic legend and lore. Tegid's use of songs and stories to convey lessons is quite effective and touching. The love between Lady Goewyn and Llew Silver Hand is explored again, after being hinted at and begun in THE PARADISE WAR. The friendships, relationships, and love (and hate) between various characters is written convincingly and engagingly.

All in all this is a great book and a worthy sequel to THE PARADISE WAR. Again you may find it difficult to put it down and wish that you never had to leave the world established by this book and this series. But that's just the mark of a great writer taking you on a journey through a great story. And that's just what THE SILVER HAND is, step two of a wonderful and engaging story.

While the first book in the series was narrated by Llew, this novel sees a disturbing shift in perspective as the bard Tegid assumes the role of narrator. This inexplicable shift takes some getting used to, as we have identified with Llew and grown to love him and see the other world through his eyes, but in the end it doesn't detract from the story. Unlike the story of the first book, in "The Silver Hand" the modern world doesn't really enter the picture, and all the focus is on events in the other world of Albion. After the cruel murder of Meldryn Mawr, Llew (student Lewis Gillies in the real world) is chosen by the bard Tegid Tathal as the new king. But Llew's kingship is challenged by Meldryn's son Meldron, who is allied with the king's former champion Paladyr and Llew's former friend Siawn (Simon in the real world). After Meldron slaughters Albion's bards, all of Albion is threatened by his rebellion, enslaved by his depraved desire for dominion, and plunged into civil war. Left for dead by Melron, Llew and Tegid regroup and build Dinas Dwr, a city on a lake, to where the faithful remnant of Albion come and pledge their allegiance. But that's just the beginning. Will Llew prevail and will the true kingdom be restored over against the evil that threatens it?

Again Lawhead draws on much Biblical imagery, as the following allusions illustrate: The Psalms: "The Goodly-Wise heard our song and reached down with his Swift Sure Hand and plucked us out of the sea - and out of the grave Meldron intended." (p93); God's providence: "there surged within me a sudden conviction that we had been led to this place; the Goodly-Wise had directed our steps." (p100); The sabbath rest: "In my world, people are granted a day of rest from their labours - one day in every seven. In past times it was a jealously guarded gift, though now it is no longer recognized as such." (p192); The three meeting of the three Old Testament strands of prophet, priest and king in a Messiah figure: "Prydain, Meldryn Mawr, Ollathir, in these three did the essence of Albion reside. And now these three strands met in one person: Llew" (p344); Dependence on God: "I raised my staff as they passed and called upon the Swift Sure Hand to uphold them through the fight; I invoked the Goodly-Wise to guide their steps; I entreated the Gifting Giver to grant them the victory." (p351) All in all, it's classic Lawhead, a thoroughly worthy sequel as the magnificent Song of Albion continues! Lawhead, please keep that pen singing!

It's an interesting book about the right of kings and of sovereignty. What exactly does a king mean to the people, the land or to himself? I think that this is a question that bothers Llew throughout the book. The answer isn't clearly defined, and you see the destined king stumble, but the pondering of the question is a valuable task.

That said, I would say that there is a lack of depth to the plot. You know that everything is supposed to come out right at the end. Things that should be difficult to accomplish are dispatched with ease. However, I enjoyed this book and will pick up the 3rd book in the series to finish it off.