The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace (2008) is the third fantasy novel in the Annals of the Chosen trilogy, following The Ninth Talisman. In the previous volume, Boss and Lore were imprisoned by the Wizard Lord. Azir and Babble were killed at the Wizard Lord's command just as several wizards had been slain. Sword had killed the soldiers who attacked the Chosen and then fled. Bow, Snatcher and Beauty had also escaped. But the current Wizard Lord was still alive. In this novel, Erren Zal Tuyo kam Darig seveth Tirimsir abek Du is Sword, the Chosen swordsman. He has decided to wait for the Wizard Lord in the Summer Palace, which is outside the realm of Barokan and thus outside of the magic of that land. Artil im Saltir -- the former Red Wizard -- is now a Dark Lord. He still has his soldiers looking for the Chosen survivors. Farash nith Kerra is the Old Boss. He had betrayed the Chosen to the Dark Lord of Galbek Hills. Now he is the chief advisor of the new Dark Lord. In this story, Sword returns to Winterhome. Disguised as a Hostman, he finds a way up the cliff to the Plateau. He gets himself accepted by the Uplanders who live there during the clement months and becomes part of the Golden Spear tribe. He dwells among them and learns their ways. When the Uplanders leave the Plateau to winter in Winterhome, Sword stays in the Summer Palace. He finds a few useful items in the palace, but little food. Eventually, he learns that lir exist of the Plateau, but are only active during the winter while the ara birds are absent. With help from the Upland lir, Sword prepares a secret entrance to the Summer Palace. When spring returns, he awaits the coming of the Wizard Lord. As the only Chosen available, Sword is determined to kill this Dark Lord. This tale concludes the trilogy. Sword learns much about the Uplands and discovers the secret of the Ninth Talisman. The ending of this storyline is satisfactory, but leaves one wishing for more. Highly recommended for Watt-Evans fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of exotic cultures, unusual magic, and a bit of romance. -Arthur W. Jordin

With the third installment of the Annals of the Chosen, Lawrence Watt-Evans has given us a novel that makes you want to scream out "Use your Magic...one spell can fix this...one spell". If only magic hadn't been neutralized by the new Wizard Lord in his efforts to quell all efforts to challenge his omnipotence! Having not read the first 2 books in the series, I was hesitant to read the 3rd first. Once I realized the lay of the story, my initial hesitancy was put aside and I enjoyed the story with the twists and turns. The nine Chosen: The Leader, the Seer, the Swordsman, the Beauty, the Thief, the Scholar, the Archer, the Speaker, and the mysterious ninth member, Breaker, interact mostly logically and by the time we reach the end of the book, we are still left with questions. That brings us to the topic of fantasy worlds. How do writers create a `world' where every element is logical, and can stand up to critical thought? Watt-Evans is not a master of the craft, but his efforts are applaudable. The sheer amount of thought involved in a different realms is staggering, so it is hard to be critical of that element. Best way to enjoy this book, read the first two and indulge yourself in the third. Great characterization, and an enjoyable cast. Highly recommended. Tim Lasiuta

When I finished reading The Ninth Talisman(Summer of 2007), I was enamored with the desire to learn the truth, but was shocked to learn I had a year to wait until The Summer Palace came out. So I waited impatiently, and ordered it as soon as possible. Having just finished it, I can honestly say that it was worth the wait. Lawrence Watt-Evans masterfully interweaves the characters, reveals the mysteries of the Uplanders, and ends the story on a magnificent note. I defy any fan of sword and sorcery to not read this series. It will go down as one of the greats.

I'm a big fan of Lawrence Watt-Evans's work, and the Annals of the Chosen hasn't disappointed. The third and final volume was a great conclusion to a very enjoyable series, expanding the intricate world of the Chosen into unexpected territory. I couldn't put it down. It arrived today and I just turned the last page.