January 29, 2007
While juggling a complex epic fantasy plot may be child's play for veteran word-wizard Williams (Otherland
), the bewildered star players of the fine second volume in his Shadowmarch trilogy must deal with a very adult world being transformed by war, magic, secrets and a weird, powerful scrying-mirror. Back in Southmarch, Hendon Tolly has usurped the throne, while King Olin's held in captivity in Hierosol. Olin's young twins, Princess Briony and Prince Barrick Eddon, struggle to survive in exile on separate but equally perilous paths. Barrick's trapped behind the Shadowline with Capt. Ferras Vansen; Gyir the Storm Lantern, a formidable, faceless fairy; and Skurn, a quirky talking raven. Briony's helped by a forest demigoddess and winds up with a band of endangered traveling thespians. Though the pace lags at times, bestseller Williams once again delivers a sweeping spellbinder full of mystical wonder. Author tour.
March 15, 2007
The Marches, the Shadowlands, and everywhere else are menaced by ever bloodier conflicts that at least prevent old gods from returning. Humans, elves, and fairies (none cute, though often intelligent allies) are all in it together, and much-tried King Olin, going from one captivity to another, maintains the saga's focus. Meanwhile, his son Prince Bettrick learns that being relieved of one hand doesn't relieve him of duties, and daughter Princess Briony steadily becomes the standout in an exceedingly large cast. Requiring slogging some to find the good spots, " Shadowplay" still rouses curiosity about what will happen next, especially for readers of " Shadowmarch" (2004).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)