The Usurper: The Second Book of the Kingdoms

A really nice conclusion to the first book, Wells continues to weave his story tightly and imaginatively. I'll admit, I wasn't as interested in the plotline of the Usurper, but that's because I was more interested in the love story Wells laid out. Not that the end was really in doubt, but it was very enjoyable watching the two characters get there. Again, Wells uses excellent description, if sometimes using vocabulary the average reader may find daunting. I'm a fan of letting your reading educate you, so I don't count it as too much of a negative. Wells occasionally uses the "little did he know" motif as clumsy foreshadowing, or to create suspense, but I find such technique irritating. Thankfully, he does it much less than in his later Godwars trilogy. The Usurper also has a sense of suspense and intrigue, combining, quest, love story, and political machinations into one compelling story. I'm a little curious as to where the story will go next, since the ending seems rather conclusive, but I'm sure the last book in the series will be entertaining and enlightening.

This novel picks up where "Wrath of Ashar" left off. While not as popular as other mainstream fantasy novels, this is truly a splendid example of what great writing can go into the genre. Filled with intrigue and a deep plot drama, I would recommend this novel to anyone with a taste for good authorship and fantasy.