Knight or Knave (Cycle of Oak, Yew, Ash, and Rowan, Book 2)

With this book in the series, Norton develops the complex conflict between good and evil in both the profane and ethereal realms of the world.

Knight or Knave is the second novel in the Cycle of Oak, Yew, Ash, and Rowan series. In the previous volume, Ysa's magic has brought Zazar, Ashen, and herself together for introductions. The Sea-Rovers have settled New Vold in Ashenhold lands. Ashen Deathdaughter and Obern have been brought to Cragden Keep by Count Harous, who gives Ashen gifts and hints of her mother. The Bog-folk have begun to attack Rendelian lands. King Boroth has died, after claiming Ashen as his daughter.In this volume, Florian has become the King, succeeding his father, and, under pressure of his mother and various nobles of the court, has married Rannore, whom he has made pregnant. Ashen meets Queen Ysa and moves into Rendelsham Castle. Ysa sends a messenger to New Vold to inform Snorri know of her son's wedding, to let him that his son, Obern, is alive, and to invite him to visit her at a later date. In the unseasonable cold, the Bog-folk have taken to attacking New Vold for food.Ashen has met a priest in the Great Fane of the Glowing, who informed Obern and herself of the history of Rendel. Meeting again in the fane, the priest, Esander, shows her a great library hidden deep under Rendelsham which contains many volumes of magical lore. As directed by Zazar, she does not yet attempt any of the magics, although she studies the lore diligently.Snorri arrives in time for Florian's wedding and, after the ceremony, he tells Obern of the death of his wife, Naeve. Upon discovering that Ashen has been abducted, Obern mounts a rescue effort and then asks for her hand in marriage; his request is granted. After the wedding, Ashen meets the new emissary of the Nordens, Gaurin, son of Count Bjauden, who tells her that his father has never returned from his mission to Rendel and that she wears his father's bracelet, which she had found on a skeleton in some ruins within the boglands. He takes the bracelet, breathes on it -- which causes it to glow briefly -- and returns it, telling her to put it on and think of him if she is ever in need on anything. Obern and Ashen travel to New Vold, where she meets his son, Rohan. In the northlands, ominous forces are gathering. The Foul One is preparing for the invasion of Rendel.Some reviewers seem disappointed that this series is not like the Witch World or Time Traders series. Yet those series were intended as juveniles for the most part, whereas this series is for more mature readers. Those series were mostly focused on singleton or paired characters, whereas this series deals with a larger cast of interacting protagonists. Hints of this series can be seen in the tales of Escore, High Hallek, and the Dales, and especially in the Gryphon stories. Indeed, Shadow Hawk, one of Norton's earliest stories, is a tale of courtly intrigue. Recommended for Norton and Miller fans and anyone who enjoys court intrigue in a fantasy setting.

Make sure read the first book first or you will be lost.Pay attention or you will be lost. If you do all of the above this book will be the best, most enjoyable book you've ever read!

In the Kingdom of Rendel, the King recently died with his son succeeding him to the throne. The new monarch is weak, hedonistic, and spiteful as he abuses his power while keeping in check the real ruler, the Dowager Queen Ysa. Although she holds the reigns of power, Ysa knows that her husband's illegitimate daughter Ashlen remains a threat to her rule. The nobles despise Florian or just want more power. They see Ashlen as a rallying point to cause trouble for Florian. The new king must agree with that assessment because he has his half-sister abducted, but Obern, son of the Sea Rovers, rescues her. Ashlen marries Obern, but that relationship is short lived as destiny has other plans for her in the upcoming war of the North.The second book in this four-novel series lays the groundwork with dangling threads for what will follow yet remains a stand-alone tale. This romantic fantasy shows that Andre Norton retains her magic while co-author Sasha Miller shows her strong talent too. KNIGHT OR KNAVE is a powerful fantasy that imparts much joy to genre fans. Harriet Klausner