"exciting and enthralling stand alone"
After defeating the enemies of the Cloud Country, Count
Mergen Khan and his heir Prince Tayyichiut head
euphorically home. The Prince was a hero who played a
major role in the triumph. His uncle is only waiting for
his nephew to gain more experience before he turns the
power over to him. Mergen's son Qutvla not officially
reorganized as his child wants to be the khan instead of
Prince Tayy. The snake demon who killed Tayy's parents weaves a spell
over Qutula to kill Tayy and his father, and marry her so
she can be the Khan's wife until she kills him and rules
in her own right. Tayy's one hope is the shaman in
training Eluneke who is learning how to use her power and
is determined to save her beloved future husband (she saw
that in a vision) from death from those he trusts. It
will take a lot of power for an untried shaman to go
against a demon and her consort but go against them she
will in order to save her beloved prince. This novel takes place in the same universe as the SEVEN
BROTHERS where Tayy was a hero. In LORDS OF GRASS AND
THUNDER he comes home an idol but almost immediately he is
trapped by court intrigue, serpent demons bent on conquest
and the love of a shaman who has much to learn about the
use of her powers. His cousin envies Prince Tayy; so out
of jealously of his power and the love his father has for
him, starts planning to bring him down Curt Benjamin has
written an exciting and enthralling stand alone book that
readers will enjoy immensely. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted April 26, 2005
SummaryWhen his father is murdered by magical treachery, Prince
Tayyichiut watches his uncle takes over as elected Khan of
the Qubal clans. But Tayyichiut remains the Khan's heir, and
when he's ready, his uncle plans to turn the clans over to
him. But there are those who see a different future for the
Qubal. And when dark magic begins to spread its poison, only
the apprentice shaman who seems fated to be Tayy's bride may
be able to save him from a deadly destiny.
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