The New World

Others might not feel this way, but the way things in this book were described painted me the ideal fantasy world. The way magic is maniplulated, the visualization of golden Moriande, it was all excellent. Magic in this story is a lot different than most. The only traditional 'sorcerors' are the Vanyesh, of which there are only about a hundred of and everyone hates and fears them. The average Joe aspires to become a 'mystic' that is, someone who is so skilled at something, that they can work magic in conjunction with that skill. You can be really good, and not be a mystic, you have to be one of the best.

I never read a Stackpole book until I started this triology and was a little wary of the idea of reading three books about cartographers, but I've been engrossed with every page. The final instalment, this book follows several twists and turns to their conclusion within the world. The triology reads as one giant book bound in three sections so start with the first and read all three; Stackpole does not dissappoint.

It is very interesting, and very entertaining the same time, especially you have teenage youngsters in your household. Recommend it.

I enjoyed the entire series and was not disappointed in the final book. When I first finished the book, I was slightly disappointed at a couple of the storylines. But the more thought I have given theses storylines, I have came to the conclusion that they ended the way they should have given the entire series.

Will have to agree with the First reviewer that this is the best of the three books. Unlike most trilogies where the second book is a filler book, Michael has written a trilogy that started out slow (if you can call the first book slow) and builds in anticipation. I will say cudos to Michael on a excellent series, and am glad to see that he continues to grow as a writer. From the days that we would talk with Michael at Game Depot in Tempe after the first couple of novels in Battle tech, in the early 90's to today. I miss those chit chats and have only kept up with you through your writings so if you read these good job and a very compelling series, one of your best works to date. Douglas,