"Epic fantasy"

During the chaos of the battle of Segg, dying half-breed Yozert Jonaglir (offspring of a dragon fire sorcerer Aclytese and Wolfkin shapeshifter) is near death with no hope of anyone saving his life. However, a female orphan Owl finds Yozert in his wolf form and saves his life. They become very close like a father with a beloved daughter, and exchange blood.

They journey in hopes of finding a haven from the brutal war as neither the forces of the merciless King Fellrant of Jenel and the just as cold-blooded Emperor Jahcgroth of Argannese care what happens to civilians. Yozert and Owl attract other wannabe survivors amongst human, Aclytese and Wolfkin desperate for respite from the horrors of war. Yozert leads his troupe to Vorslava where they take over the city. Soon word spreads of a haven for refugees. Yozerf's mate and his mother arrive to find him in charge preparing his followers for a rough cold winter and an even tougher spring when the magical armies of King Fellrant and Emperor Jahcgroth will attack this peaceful insurrection.

The above paragraphs barely make a dent into describing the adventures of the hero and his troupe who fight every inch of the way to the city, to take the city, and to rule the city. Fans will believe in the existence of the differing sentient species that have been at war for generations, but to survive the vicious royal armies must merge. Though this epic fantasy can stand alone the audience will better appreciate and understand the key players by reading the first two novels in the delightful Lord of Wind and Fire series (see WOLFKIN and THE CROW QUEEN; the trio is worth the time and money.)

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 12, 2005

Summary

As the armies of Argannon sweep south across the Kellsmarch, Jenel's forces frantically organize to stop them. Caught in between are the common people of Jenel, driven from their homes by the horrors of war. After their harrowing escape from Segg, Suchen, Auglar, and their companions find themselves lost in the midst of anonymous masses of refugees. Devoid of hope, they want only to return to Kellsjard and lick their wounds. But the journey is long, and the dangers many. Lost to his friends, Yozerf must also make his way back to Kellsjard, his only companion an eight-year-old human girl. But as conditions continue to deteriorate, he soon finds himself at the head of an army of refugees--men, women, and children, human, Aclyte, and Wolfkin. And as opposing armies converge on them, the fate of the kingdom itself may lie in his hands....