Legacy of the Wolf

This is actually the place I started the series the first time around, _Legacy of the Sword_ is the first book I read. Did I not get a few things? Sure. Was I totally lost? Nope. Ms. Roberson is a good writer and she gave enough information in summary that while you knew you missed something it wasn't a plot-stopper. All that being said, this is a great introduction to the world of the Cheysuli. Politics are at a high boil and parts of it are set in an urban enviroment that you don't often see elsewhere in the series, so you get to see what the 'common man' thinks of all the change that is swirling around him.I like Ms. Roberson's style. Not too lush but not too spare either, she gives you plenty of concrete details to hang your imagination on. I liked this one enough to go read her other series and wait impatiently for her to finish this one. The only drawback is that it is clearly part of a long series and while you can pick up anywhere, you can't really walk away at the end of any one book and feel satisfied. Each generation overlaps the next and the past one, great for continuity, not so great for the wallet.

While the omnibuses are actually reprints of the ealier works, they are still a must for sci-fi/fantasy readers. Jennifer Roberson has created a world full of magic, mystery and prophecy that can easily share a shelf with Tolkien and other favorites in my library. The books span several generations and take you through a realm filled with characters that come to life and take hold of your imagination and never let go. Even though a work of fiction, the trials, tribulations and loss suffered by the characters give the books a feeling of realism rarely found in books where good always wins over evil and everyone lives happily ever after. This series is definetly a must have.Note: It is best if the books are read in order, as the story can be confusing if you start reading in the middle.