With Hardorn in shambles and the invading army of the Eastern Empire chomping large bites out of the stricken kingdom, Valedemar is threatened, as is neighboring Karse. Traditional enemies, the two countries are beginning delicate negotiations toward a lasting alliance. Sun-priest Ulrich and his alcolyte Karal are Solaris chosen representatives, and are settling in well when calamity strikes - waves of disorienting and dangerous magic are sweeping the world. If Valdemar and her allies are to survive drastic measures will be needed.

A great first entry. Looking forward to re-reading the rest of the trilogy. ( )

Plot: The book doesn't go anywhere, it's a solid 400 pages of set-up and retelling of what's happened before, which makes for relatively boring reading. There are three main plots centered around a group of characters each; one of these plots fails to achieve anything but premonition, the other two are a coming-of-age and coming-into-power-against-adversity respectively.

Characters: The most interesting character is the one who isn't using magic or magical creatures, but who has to rely on his wits and the loyalty of his men. The second new addition makes for a nice, if very ham-fistedly executed growth from insecurity to slightly less insecurity and an overcoming of prejudices. Established characters, unfortunately, are denied development and feel very boring.

Style: There's a limit to how much exposition a book needs. There's also a limit to how much angst a character should go through before he becomes a complete drama queen. The story never builds up much atmosphere and it's painfully obvious that we're here to get facts for the next books, and not much else.

Plus: Tremane. Finally someone with a brain, without any romantic notions, without love interests and without a predilection to talk to mystic beings.

Minus: too much jumping in between plots without those plots actually going anywhere.

Summary: While this is counted as the first book of a trilogy, it's essentially book four of a six-volume tale. And a rather unnecessary book at that. ( )

I like Karal and his Firecats. Fun stroy. Gives some information on what those crazy Karsites are really like. ( )