River of the World

This is the second part of Issel's and Jendre's stories and the wrap up for this series. The feel of this book is quite different to the first book in some ways, especially as the war really takes of in this instalment of the story. Issel finds crossing the river a shock that changes his ability to access his power making him much more lethal to his Maras enemies, who won't know what hit them. Jendre finds the new Sultan will drive her to the pits of despair and an action from which there is no return that will lead her to Issel and his friends. I have to say I enjoyed both of these books, and while I found Issel to be somewhat reminiscent of the author's main character in Dead of Light (New English Library (Hodder and Stoughton).) I nevertheless would like to read more about him in another book in this universe. These are enjoyable fantasies in an alternate Turkish style world, and while the world is not defined in detail and the writing a tad abstract as a pair these books are still a worthwhile fantasy read.

It took a day to destroy a millennium of prosperity when the Marasi created a magical bridge that scaled the walls of Sundain to enable their conquering army inside (see BRIDGE OF DREAMS). Now two decades have passed since the conquering led to twin cities bridged by the dreams of children whose lives are sucked out until they wither and die while the Marasi magical rule. By happenstance the sultan of Marasi's latest wife Jendre meets Sundain water mage Issel after he has done the impossible by crossing the river to Marasi. They agree to help one another at a time when rivals battle for control in Marasi as she wants to save the life of her "dreaming" sister. However, their plan goes awry when the sultan is assassinated and Jendre captured as she has value to those craving power. Issel knows he must liberate her or else face failure as she is his only access into the castle. This terrific sequel assumes that the audience read the previous fantasy as much of the political intrigue especially the abuse of power was set in BRIDGE OF DREAMS and built upon that foundation rather than repeated in the deep RIVER OF THE WORLD. The story line is fast-paced once the lead couple recognizes a mutual need for one another and abets each other to achieve what they desire. Whereas Issel wants to free a city, Jendre wants to free a person as morality plays havoc with this duo with issues like sacrificing one for the better good or saving one at the cost of the many (early Ayn Rand). Chaz Brenchley writes a terrific political fantasy. Harriet Klausner