The Riddle: The Second Book of Pellinor

Most Riddles frustrate me; meet the exception. Alison's second entry in her Pellinor series almost seems to play like a fairy tale. Not the grossly downplayed kind we have in our animated DVD collections, but rather the old stories they were based upon: full of fantastical elements as well as tales of consequence and morality. What strikes me as real within the pages of this novel were the feelings of the characters. Not particularly predisposed or predetermined, it rang with a sense of realism. At the same time, it engrosses those who favor the fantasy genre for it's magical elements. The magic bring to life the sense of wonder and enchantment to a very human tale. For the duration of it's page count, Alison's story swept my world away and deliciously ate at my usual sleep schedule, and only with the gray and blue hues of the approaching dawn was I forced to put down this wonderful piece of fiction. You will be hard pressed to dislike this book if you are remotely intrigued by it's premise.

THE RIDDLE picks up where THE NAMING left off: chaos reigns in Annar and now Maerad and her mentor Cadvan are in exile and on the run from the Light and the Dark. For Maerad, it is a bitter reminder of her early childhood --- betrayed by an old enemy and separated once again from her younger brother Cai, now known as Hem, who has gone to Turbask with the kind Saliman. For Cadvan, it seems that the Balance he has worked hard to help maintain is about to be broken. With the help of Owan d'Aroki and his boat, The White Owl, Cadvan and Maerad travel to the Isle of Thorold to visit the School of Busk, where Cadvan seeks to find knowledge that could help unravel The Riddle of the Treesong, which may be the answer to restoring the delicate balance between the Light and the Dark. There, Maerad is introduced to the lively Thoroldians and meets the old Bard Elenxi and the First Bard Nerili, both old friends of Cadvan. While Cadvan searches for clues about the Treesong, Maerad continues her studies of Barding and welcomes the lively atmosphere of Busk. Then Midsummer Day arrives and something goes wrong during an ancient ceremony, causing Cadvan and Maerad to go into hiding once again. While waiting for news from their allies about what is happening in the other Kingdoms, Cadvan and Maerad discover a surprising clue about the Treesong, one that gives them more questions than answers. Meanwhile, Maerad discovers powers that neither she nor Cadvan could have predicted. As the quest intensifies, Maerad begins to have doubts about herself and her true purpose, which threaten her relationship with Cadvan. Then something unexpected happens, and Maerad finds herself facing greater enemies than she has before --- which includes the alluring but dangerous Winterking --- and perhaps the greatest of all being herself. Alison Croggon doesn't disappoint as her elaborate storytelling continues to create excitement and intrigue. With many twists and turns, THE RIDDLE answers some questions while giving readers many more to figure out as this epic quartet progresses. --- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle ([email protected])

This book continues the story of The Naming and is just as good. The story moves just a tad slower then the first, but it is sill very interesting and does not lose the reader. The relationships in the book are deepening and stress is causing everyone to grow up. The book is aptly named the riddle as the story is getting more complicated and very little is being resolved. That being said this book does not have one of those killer cliff-hanger ending that drive you crazy. In stead you be sitting on your hands because you miss the characters so much!

Quests always seem to involve a hefty main dish of impossible riddles to unravel, with sides of identity questions, irreconcilable loss and unforeseen love. Maerad, the enigmatic heroine of this aptly titled sequel to The Naming, struggles with all of these things. Her relationships with her mentor and teacher Cadvan, Ardina, the Ice King and others play out as the background for some original, suspenseful and fascinating adventures. Maerad's evolution as a powerful mage and and as a powerful young woman was very gripping - I couldn't put the book down, and reread the ending three times!

The Naming to The Riddle, Maerad's frantic life is becoming crazier by the minute. The second book of Pellinor gives just as many twists and turns as The Naming. Maerad and her teacher Cadvan seem to become closer, though not even Maerad can ignore her strange powers any longer. And, though these powers could help save the Light, they might not be all good. Maerad begins to fear herself even more. Cadvan and Maerad's realtionship is on the brink. Though, that is not the only thing plagueing Maerad's mind. There is a war starting down South where her brother is staying. Also, Cadvan and Maerad have been given the impossible task of finding the Treesong. If this seems like not enough adventure, then just wait. The very powerful Winterking is hunting them down through his strong army of strange creatures and humans. Will Cadvan and Maerad be able to survive with both of their lives? You'll know once you read The Riddle by Alison Croggen. If you like this book, I hope you are just as excited as I am for the next book of Pellinor, "The Crow".