"terrific epic fantasy"

In Westria Prince Phoenix has doubts that he is a worthy successor to his father especially since King Julian never praises him only criticizes his efforts to be regal. On the other hand his best friend Sombra thinks Phoenix is more than worthy as she feels he will run the country with compassion and strength. However, his misgivings rise when she informs him that she will attend the College of the Wise to improve her adept abilities.

Slavers abduct Phoenix, who uses the name Johan. While his father desperately searches for him, to survive Johan becomes a gladiator fighting to the death in a traveling circus. As the Red Dragon he enables his berserker rage to turn him into a lethal killing machine. At the same time Mother Mahaliel and an army of fanatics are conquering everyone in their path as they head for Westria. The only hope for the kingdom resides in Phoenix to rise from the ashes to lead the counterattack, but he is nowhere in sight. Sombra senses where he is and begins a quest to rescue the man she loves.

One generation has past since the epic fantasy THE JEWEL OF FIRE, but the action and deep characterizations, a trademark of Diana L. Paxson remains solid. The story line is a coming of age thriller as Johan must adapt to circumstances in a mature manner or suffer the consequences, perhaps even die. Readers will wonder whether Sombra will be able to rescue him in time so that he can in turn save his people from the invaders. The return to Westria is purely golden. Every book Diana L. Paxson writes is a winner.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 16, 2006

Summary

Set about 25 years after the action in The Jewel of Fire (1992), bestseller Paxson's previous Westria novel, this eighth volume will please series fans curious to meet a new generation as it comes of age: Prince Phoenix, who takes the name Johan and worries that he's unworthy to inherit the Westrian throne; and Phoenix's lifelong female friend, Sombra, who assumes the name Luz. Just when their feelings for each other turn romantic, fate separates the pair. Luz goes to the College of the Wise, where she hones her skills as an adept and wrestles with school discipline. Kidnapped by slavers, Johan becomes a gladiator in a traveling circus where he must kill or be killed. The Red Dragon, an incarnation of his rage, possesses him and powers his murderous skills. Meanwhile, an army of fanatic cultists led by charismatic Mother Mahaliel is conquering all in its path. The outcome may be obvious, but as ever the author provides an entertaining ride. Newcomers will find this an easy entry point.