Janice Y. (jai) reviewed on 2/28/2008 + 310 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

This is a straight fantasy, with a little romance (not really in your face). Adhémar, king of Neroche has suddenly lost his magic powers, his magical sword doesn't work anymore, and he's very put out by it. His youngest brother Miach, who is also the archmage, suggests that he travel to the most unlikely place to find someone who can wield the sword. The book started out amusing - I really liked the beginning, the author's voice has little half-teasing tilt to it, especially when the characters banter with one another, but after a while it went into the usual fantasy quest route and I started to lose interest. There wasn't anything very urgent or compelling going on that would keep me glued to the page, the pacing was quite relaxed. Perhaps too relaxed. I almost walked away from this book even though I only had 50 pages left, I just wanted to skim the end. I'd recommend this for readers who don't generally read fantasy and want something light and wholesome to read. It wasn't a bad read, but to me, a bit tame after what else I've been reading lately. This is the first book of a trilogy; the second book is The Mage's Daughter and continues this story.

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