From Publishers Weekly
Vivid characterization and deft world building lift May's second Boreal Moon novel (after 2004's
Conqueror's Moon). Though King Conrig has gained control of the entire island of High Blenholme, he faces many challenges, not least keeping hidden his own illicit magical powers. He hopes that his new queen, Risalla, won't produce any children with magical talent, thus disqualifying them from inheriting the throne. While he has the support of the Conjure-Queen, Ullanoth of Moss, her unscrupulous brother, Prince Beynor, schemes against him. In addition, Conrig's first queen, Maudrayne, thought to be dead, is alive and working magic for her own purposes and may have borne Conrig an heir. When the collection of moonstones known as the Trove of Danasilo threatens to fall into the wrong hands, Conrig and his allies really have their hands full. The author's usual brisk pacing will keep readers turning the pages of this well above average high fantasy.
Agent, Ralph Vicinanza. (Apr. 5) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
King Conrig, former prince of Cathra, now rules all four kingdoms on the island of High Blenholme and fervently hopes his new queen will bear a child without talent for sorcery, for sorcerers can't be rulers. The conjure-queen of Moss, with whose aid Conrig conquered the island, continues assisting him, though her brother Beynor opposes him so violently that he will even ally with ancient, nonhuman foes. Maudrayne, Conrig's former queen, thought to have committed suicide and thereby alienated her family from his, seems now to be alive and the mother of an heir to Conrig's throne. Then the collection of powerful texts and talismans called Trove of Darasilo disappears, most likely stolen by Beynor, desperate to gain Moss' independence. Conrig calls on childhood friend Snudge, now Sir Deveron Austrey, to find the Trove. But will Conrig use the Trove to extend his conquests? Although it helps to have read this book's predecessor,
Conqueror's Moon (2004), May here meets her usual standards for storytelling while creating more of a very well designed world.
Frieda MurrayCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
