The King
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Rodrigo has won the throne of Caledon and mastered the Still's magic. Now comes the real challenge: He must rule.
When Rodrigo took control of the mystical powers of the Still, he gained the knowledge of his forefathers. On the battlefield, the Still is a potent weapon and Rodrigo proves to be a gifted strategist. But the Still doesn't make him perfect, and even the wisdom of generations of Caledonian rulers can't prepare Rodrigo for what will come next.
A sudden betrayal costs Rodrigo the life and companionship of the person he loves most. With the savage King Hriskil advancing on the north, hoping to seize Caledon, Rodrigo must press on toward an earth-shattering magical confrontation.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
John W. Campbell award winner Feintuch's long-awaited sequel to The Still (1997) starts slowly but gathers speed as his impatient hero, King Rodrigo of Caledon, must deal with both his enemies and his own vicious temper, which can complicate his relations with allies and friends. After learning to use the ancient power of the Still (derived from gazing into still water) to gain access to the wisdom of past rulers, Rodrigo wields the Still as a weapon in one exciting, intricately described battle after another as his armies take on the invading Hriskil, who wield the Rood. Treachery costs Rodrigo the life of his beloved mentor, Rustin, and nearly that of his remaining brother, Elryc. Elaborate and at times highly graphic, from violent fighting to the painful growth of Rodrigo's character, the tale winds its way through several plot twists before Rustin is resurrected. Having matured without the latter's guidance, Rodrigo suffers a behavorial relapse when he returns to Rustin's tutelage and finds that they must separate if he is truly to become a man. In a satisfying if rather abrupt ending to this coming-of-age story, Rodrigo regains his kingdom and prepares for marriage. Those who haven't read The Still will have a hard time following the action, especially at first, but established fans will be left hoping they won't have to wait as long for the next volume in the series. FYI:Feintuch is also the author ofChildren of Hope (2001) and other books in his Seafort Saga.
