The Eunuch's Heir

Having recently finshed "The Singer's Crown", I couldn't wait to pick up "The Eunuch's Heir". I was not disappointed, another complex plot line, well developed characters, fast paced novel combining all my favorite things, suspense, intrigue, spies and unexpected plot twists. Looking foward to seeing more from this author.

This is a fantastically written sequel to a wonderfully adictive novel. Elaine never fails to draw you into her worlds quickly and fully. Wolfram is a character that you love for his faults and despise those who try to hurt him. The characters are masterfully written, truly able to draw out your empathy, sympathy, disadain, and yes even hatred. The setting is strange and vaguely familiar at the same time. Again this is a wonderful book from a fanatstic writer. A must read.

His father the late King Kattanan duRhys is a legend for his fair, just and strong rule; some would say a saint. Most of residents of the Kingdom of Lochalyn believe the deceased revered monarch made one mistake, his heir. Knowing he could never live up to his sire's accomplishments Prince Wolfram spends much of his time partying with women. That changes when someone tries to assassinate Wolfram, which shakes him out of his hedonistic lifestyle at the same time his ascension to the throne is challenged by doubts that he is the true offspring of the good King Kattanan. Needing time to regroup while remaining safe, Wolfram flees with his eighteen year old foster sister Princess Melody; he leaves his mother Queen Brianna and the Lord Protector Fionvar duNormand in charge of the monarchy. The two royal travelers reach the mystical Hemijrai where the Prince falls in love with virginal Priestess Dieshima while her mentor Priestess Faedara wants the male infidel dead and his female companion to join them in a sacrificial rebirth that could lead to a flowing of blood in Lochalyn. The sequel to THE SINGER'S CROWN (Kattanan's tale) is a solid romantic fantasy starring a spoiled prince whose late father gave him everything he wanted as a reaction to the murders of those he loved when he was the heir. Thus in many ways Wolfram is the more fascinating character than his sire whose "mission" was established by his uncle's killings. The story line is filled with action and a sort of comparative analysis between the two nations that are polar opposites in outlook. Still to fully understand the goings-on, readers should first peruse THE SINGER'S CROWN as that not only provides explanations to the exiled heir's personality; it gives insight to referenced events. Elaine Isaak provides a solid second story to her saga. Harriet Klausner