Ring of Destiny

I'm mid-way through the third book (Ring of Destiny) for the second reading of the series. I am entranced. I love Jane Fancher's in-depth character development, the storylines, the way she deals with Dancer and the androgynous/female/male characters. I read a lot and have rarely found myself feeling so "invested" as I do with her characters. The whole series is definitely worth the reading time. Now, where IS the fourth book - Ring of Change?

Ms. Fancher's book, "Ring of Destiny", is superb. Some who have reviewed the book have been concerned about the length. This I do not understand. What is the hurry? Is it a race? In the case of a book as good as this, the only draw back is that it has to end at all. In fact, you are fortunate because (if you haven't already) you can buy the entire triology and read from one book right into the next, without stopping. I recommend it. The complexity and growth of her characters, like the development of her plot, unfolds with majestic beauty. I've read a lot books, cotton candy books that can be devoured in a single sitting; Ms. Fancher's books are much more. They are a full-course, gourmet meal that leaves a lasting satisfaction.

With the battle of the Ringmasters over, the series' main characters take stock, of some of the elements that featured in Lightning and Intrigue. In Rhomatum, Kiyrstin and Lidye, both pregnant, slug it out regarding their personal difficulties, what to do about the incomplete ring complement following the battle, and who is really in charge of them. And in a soldiers' camp situated close to a newly developing node between Rhomatum and Khoratum are the three Rhomandi brothers, and Ganfrion. Here, on a minor level, we have the explanation of what happened to Deymorin's horse Ringer. And on a somewhat more dramatic level we learn the true nature of Dancer, only hinted at during the close of Lightning. Dancer is a development, which, in less sensitive hands could have become as dubious as her descriptions of the physicality of sex could have degenerated into fluffy. For Dancer is a Child of Rakshi, a 'Tweener, with three personalities: androgynous, male, and female. And to complicate matters further, Dancer and Mikhyel are now lovers. Mikhyel's problem is how to reconcile himself and his associates, perhaps the long suffering Nethaalye in particular, to the idea of such a union, whilst Dancer's is one of coming to terms with the notion that in Mikhyel's frame of reference Dancer is a freak of nature, not the creature of purity that Mother encouraged Dancer to believe in. Jane Fancher's skill, with this potential hell-brew, is well demonstrated by the following line from the scene in which Mikhyel and Dancer are intimates. `Temorii's hands sought the sensitive instrument of loving that had gone suddenly silent, a gently teasing touch that brought Mikhyel easily back to the music....' (Temorii is Dancer's female side). I thought that was so nicely done, unlike so many others' attempts at such.These matters take up approximately the first half of the book. From there we move quickly onto Rhomatum, where Mikhyel busies himself in, post-battle, legalities in order to stabilise the Rhomatum web inclusive of potential others from the recent fall out. Deymorin takes charge of casting the replacement Giephaetum/Shatum and Khoratum/Persitum rings, and discovers his talent for ringspinning, which might usurp Lidye's hold. And Nikeanor's eighteenth birthday comes around, a time of celebration Lidye intends to use to reinforce her own grasp on power.The final section with its defeat of their old adversary, rom Maurii, and the birth of the three brothers' babies is a conclusion of the story so far. But there's plenty to keep the series spinning on. I read fairly widely in this genre, and feel, after reading all three, so far, of this series, that these books are one of the truly worthwhile additions to the field, in terms of quality of writing, development of character, world building, and originality of themes. They're definitely worth any serious fantasy fan's dollars.

Another character driven book-my personal favorite! I got the advantage of reading it before the final edits and could see the changes Jane made. It was the gold thread through the tapestry! Plote threads from the first two were tied up and more questions were raised. And we finally get to see some of the action from Ganfrion's point of view! Congrats, Jane! You've left me wanting more!

I love this book...strong character, strong plot, and follow-through on all the promise of the first two volumes [Ring of Lightning, Ring of Intrigue.] I had the chance to read it in manuscript, to be sure, and this is one set of books I wish I'd written!