The Gods Return

If you haven't read the first books in this rather lengthy series the true brilliance of the ending will be lost to you. I think it is still a worthwhile read on its own, but if you've followed the development of the characters the wrap-up is one of the best I've ever read. While I don't particularly care for the frequent switching of the point of view, Drake does it as well as anyone. Without giving away the plot, the characters are consistent both in the story and the longer series.

After the great victory especially over the Palomir Empire (see THE MIRROR OF WORLDS), Prince Garric, Princess Sharina and wizardess Tenoctris thought they would have time to mentally and physically heal from their ordeal. The triumphant threesome figured to the winners go the spoils; in this case Garric ruling over the united isles. Instead no rest for the weary as their Palomir enemies refuse to accept the last defeat should have meant the end of the war. Instead the Change that led to the trio's win also brought radical Change to the pantheon of the Gods; the Old have vanished while other divine beings replace them. In this context, the desperate Palomir turn to their forbidden deities with prayer and rituals culminating with human sacrifice. Their Gods listen and send forth the horde of Rat Men. At the same time the Sky God heeding a ritual from the sea bring forth the Worm devourer of entire villages. Adding to the victors' woes is the hypnotically powerful mysterious Scorpion King. The exciting finish to the Crown of the Isles (see THE FORTRESS OF GLASS) is fast-paced as the bone tired Garric, Sharina and Tenoctris battle on three fronts against extremely powerful adversaries. That however is also the problem with the otherwise exhilarating story line as the brave heroes seem to cast off their mental exhaustion and physical bone weariness with a shrug too easily, which in turn reduces what at first seems like three invincible opponents. Still fans of the series will enjoy THE GODS RETURN. Harriet Klausner