The Righteous Blade

This book is a good read; the story line is strong, it has interesting characters which are further developed and some new ones appear. Being the 2nd book in a trilogy the story line continues to become more complex and there is more focus on the different characters and their own side plots. However by the end Reeth Caldason's, the invincible Qalochian warrior, problems of immortality and unpredictable rages is no where near being addressed, which is a little frustrating, and he tends to fade in amongst the other characters and events; but the introduction of the mystery of the Matrix is a good development. As with the first book there is plenty of action and fighting and the development of the characters relationships keeps you turning the pages. I'm really looking forward to the 3rd book being released.

Immortal Qalochian swordsman Reeth Caldason of Bhealfa detests the paladin clans, enforcers of the rule of the tyrants that run the brutal rivals the Rintarah and Gath Tampoor Empires. All others are subject to their cruel sorcery or abuse from ground armies. Reeth knows that first hand as much of his tribe were killed by the Paladins. Almost as bad as his need for revenge of sending his people to near extinction, Reeth loathes the curse of immortality that haunts him and includes a by-product of out of control rage leading to violence and cruelty on a scale that even the Paladins fear. As Reeth seeks the cure to his malady, he becomes entangled with a rebellious plot to eliminate the heir to the Bhealfa throne, Devlor Bastorran at a time when the Gath Tampoor Empire rules the island. Devlor the merciless learns of what he assumes is a betrayal and vows to kill those involved especially the immortal Reeth; if as rumor states that he cannot die, then Devlor will torture him for eternity while crushing the rebels that Reeth joined. The second "Dreamtime" novel (see THE COVENANT RISING) is an intriguing sword and sorcery tale filled with plenty of action, but little of it of a magical variety. Instead the tale focuses more on Reeth's laments and Devlor's scheme to avenge those who plotted against him starting with the immortal swordsman. Thus the two prime antagonists share in common a gut need for revenge. THE RIGHTEOUS BLADE is a well written fantasy thriller even with no enchantments. Harriet Klausner