"Delightul urban fantasy"

Eric Banyon has graduated from Juilliard not an easy task for the average student, but for Eric attaining the diploma was a bit more difficult than average due to a learning disability. Needing to use his magical Bard abilities to save someone usually himself occasionally disrupted his study time. Eric decides to visit his parents in Boston.

Meanwhile Elf Prince Jachiel ap Gabrevys, better known in a Manhattan runaway shelter circles as Jaycie, has vanished from Underhill. His Protector is unable to locate him in iron clad New York City because the metal disrupts eleven powers. Eric's apprentice Hosea learns that the runaways worship a creature called Bloody Mary, but apparently she is no myth. Mary stalks Eric. Soon Eric, joined by a sibling he did not know he had, his apprentice, and Jaycie among others, become involved in a street confrontation with Bloody Mary.

The latest Eric the Bard escapade is a delightful blending of Manhattan street living inside a wonderful fantasy. The story line is fast-paced, often humorous, and action- packed. Eric remains a solid prime character and the support cast especially Bloody Mary adds to the depth of the plot. Though repetitive glib references to TV land becomes tedious, fans of the series, the authors, or wild urban fantasies will appreciate the marvelous MAD MAUDLIN.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 10, 2003