From Publishers Weekly
The second, tragedy-tinged Isavalta novel (after 2002's A Sorcerer's Treason) from Zettel (Reclamation) crosses a number of genres, moving from Lake Superior in 1872 through the fairy-tale Land of Death and Spirit to the high-fantasy court intrigues of Isavalta. Along the way, figures from Russian, Chinese and Indian myth intervene in the young empress Medeoan's struggle against her Hastinapuran consort, Kacha, who's plotting to control her through magic. In order to save her realm, Medeoan must turn to her mentor, Avanasy, a sorcerer who's been living in exile in Wisconsin. Ingrid Loftfield, who has fallen in love with Avanasy, persuades him to allow her to accompany him back to Isavalta. Caught between warring spirits and between this world and Isavalta, Ingrid has to decide whether to follow her heart or her conscience. Zettel achieves subtle effects, whether in the magical workings based on weaving or in the balanced understandings of her protagonists' motives. She reserves fireworks for a few climactic scenes, while the story is at its weakest when characters act cinematically. Romance readers should welcome this one as eagerly as fantasy fans.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
When Medeoan, the young sorceress-empress of Isavalta, marries for love
and political reasons, she defies her lifelong teacher and mentor Avanasy's strong opposition. What's more, blind with love for Kacha, she exiles Avanasy. But the teacher's reservations about Kacha are confirmed a few months later as, now in total control of Medeoan and Isavalta, he prepares war against neighboring Hung Tse. Meanwhile, finding refuge in Sand Island, Wisconsin, Avanasy falls in love there with Ingrid. When Medeoan's desperate message begging Avanasy to return arrives, Ingrid agrees to accompany him. Then things get dire. Hung Tse releases its ancient and deadly guardian, the Firebird, which puts the survival of Isavalta at risk. Only Baba Yaga knows how to defeat the Firebird, and she will only if a request of her own is met. No one is more surprised than Ingrid herself when Baba Yaga designates her for the job. For love of Avanasy and their unborn child, Ingrid sets forth on a perilous journey through the Land of Death and Spirit.
Paula LuedtkeCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
