The White Dragon: In Fire Forged, Part One

I have often wondered why most fantasy series come in trilogies. The answer is, of course, that the publishing companies, bookstores and authors want your money! So in this case, what was supposed to be a duology with the really cool titles of "In Legend Born" followed by "In Fire Forged" turned into a trilogy. So what is really the second book was split into two books because otherwise it would have been over a thousand pages (which is not so long for epic fantasy actually) and now we have to pay more (the author claims it was not her intention to squeeze her poor readers and because she is a great writer I will believe her and blame this on the crappy booksellers) for a book with the completely lame title of "The White Dragon". This title by the way has nothing to do with the events of this novel. Nothing at all. Anyway, so this book starts out differently. We b begin with a clan of the sea-bound sea folk, who are bound never to set foot on land until the last Dragonish (something like a shark I think but I can't help picturing really large versions of the fish in Chinese restaurant fish tanks) is dead. Our third person narrator is a 14 or 15 year old boy named Zarien, who is about to have his first Dragonfish hunt, which will make him officially a man. Unfortunately, he gets killed by one of these fish, only to be brought back to life by one of the nine goddess of the sea, the only one without a consort. She tells him to go find her mate-the sea king and King of the sea born people-on land. Naturally he's appalled, because not only is this a little sacrilegious (the sea goddess wants a land man?) but if he sets foot on land he will shunned by everyone he knows forever. He resists, the goddess threatens him with returning to being dead, and he agrees. So where does one start to look on land for the sea king? Well Zarien, being one cool kid, thinks, it must be the firebringer, our old pal Josarian from "In Legend Born" ( there is a flaw in this reasoning, Josarian is Dar, the Volcano Goddess's consort and she is really jealous) only, as we know, the firebringer is dead, eaten by the white dragon. So who's the next best contestant-well, Tansen! Naturally Tansen doesn't believe this but pretty soon he's being followed everywhere by this kid, and it's an weird mirroring of his own meeting and bonding with his blood father, who he killed at the 15 to protect the country from the Waterlords. But that's not the only thing going on. We have the Valdani actually leaving the country-for good on hopes after some "convincing" by an assassin, a new blood feud sworn by Tansen against the Waterlords, which means civil war since some of the country loves them (who knows why?) Meanwhile Mirabar is getting visions of a new leader while feuding with Tansen, and alternating flirting with him, about his refusal to kill Elelar for betraying Josarian in order to get the Valdani to leave (this is the feuding part, not the flirting) and Najdan, Mirabar assassin's

Laura Resnick's THE WHITE DRAGON contains almost everything one could ask for in a historical fantasy, and she does it with such a polished, contemplative nature that she is almost retelling history, not fantasy. She brings to bear her full writing prowess to accomplish what few writers before her have - bringing to life a whole new land, with a believable history and fully encompassing vision, along with personable characters and even a romantic subplot. Resnick's engrossing dialogues and intricate politics keep her readers guessing at every word and turning every page. Her complex depictions of Sileria's people, including their religion, racism, and history, make the reader feel and believe that they are actually in Sileria. Resnick is able to incorporate as well more than just a brief glimpse of a completely fantastical facet of Sileria, with the many forms of magic discussed and beautifully described. Completely removed from the trouble that most fantasy writers face, that is, to come up with something completely original, Resnick's novel actually contains only one major flaw - her story completely drops off at the end of the novel. There is absolutely no conclusion. The novel is continued in the next book, THE DESTROYER GODDESS. This technique would be advantageous if used anywhere else in the novel, which Resnick does incorporate, but not at the end of the book. In the end, though, it doesn't really make a difference. Fantasy lovers across the world will ear up Laura Resnick's THE WHITE DRAGON, which is a truly original fantasy adventure as well as a remarkable read.

After reading the first novel in the series, In Legend Born, I could hardly wait to tackle The White Dragon - Part one of In Fire Forged. Laura Resnick has created a fully formed continent of multiple nations, cultures, religions, societies and peoples with a fascinating history. Some writers excel at writing action sequences while others depict characters with depth and complexity. Laura Resnick is superb at both. She is unique in her ability to create both male and female characters with equal dexterity. In fact it is her portrayal of women that gives The White Dragon its outstanding appeal. More so than other authors of sword and sorcery she has created a universe in which women are much more than secondary characters. Intrigue and action are woven together in a profoundly exhilarating epic tale. The White Dragon is a continuation of the story that begins with In Legend Born, so I would encourage anyone to read it first. Great story, great writing, great reading.

After centuries of occupation, Sileria stands at the brink of liberation. Yet internal feuding among Sileria's population can destroy far more than her occupiers ever did. With the undisputed leader, Josarian, killed by treachery, his heirs must battle both the occupiers and the waterlords who, togther with their assassins, wish to create a new nation that only they control. But if the waterlords are successful, they will destroy the Guardians who worship and use fire, and their nation will be one of slaves and masters. Josarian's blood-brother, Tansen, is one key to the island's survival. Constantly accompanied by a sea-born youth, Tansen alone has the charisma and respect to unite the people of Sileria against the water wizards, encouraging them to rise up against their oppressors of a thousand years. Yet Tansen is sickened by the acts of his allies, tired of the treachery that is a constant in Sileria, and uncertain how to seek his fate. His young associate's constant prodding to go to the sea and become consort to the sea goddess is hardly a help. Nor are the enigmatic prophecies of Mirabar, the fire priestess obsessed with Josarian's death. Mirabar sees a new ruler--one who unites both water and fire. In a thousand years, Sileria has never known anything but war between followers of the two elements, but this is not the worst aspect of Mirabar's prophesy. Because she doesn't know who this future ruler is. The nation needs a ruler now, not in some distant future time. And the waterlords are moving swiftly to fill the gap. Author Laura Resnick creates a rich and complex world of magic and conflicted individuals. Tansen, and the waterlord Kiloran are especially interesting--with past dark betrayals driving them forward. But other characters too, especially Ronall--the half Sileria, half Valdani lord show intriguing development and potential. Resnick's strong writing propells the story forward and makes the reader care about the outcome.

After centuries of foreign tyranny, led by Josarin the Firebringer, the island people of Sileria have thrown out their alien masters the Valdani and gained freedom. To succeed at his endeavor, Josarian merged opposing groups into a force, but once victory was achieved, the band split into the bitter rivals they had been before the Firebringer united them. The termination of the confederation occurs when The Waterlord White Dragon of Kilorian kills Josarian. Civil war between the fire sorcerers and the Honored Society led by its notorious water wizards breaks out.Josarian trusted second in command Tansen is the last hope for freedom on the island. Mirabar had previously led her people in the revolt. She must decide whether to trust her natural enemy Tansen or ally herself with her side of the civil war. The problem she confronts is that this Tansen is in her visions and dreams seemingly as the anointed one the Gods said was coming to lead all people. The first tale in the "In Fire Forged" series is an action packed, exciting fantasy that provides a key message involving freedom in a land in which recent history is brutally tyrannical. The story line works because key players like Tansen and Mirabar seem real in a realm where Gods interfere in everyday life and magic works. Fans of powerful fantasy will want to read THE WHITE DRAGON: IN FIRE FORGED AS Laura Resnick proves she more than just the daughter of a renowned author, but instead Mike is the father of a renowned writer.Harriet Klausner