In Lynn's fantasy Dragon's Winter
(1998), set in the medieval world of Ippa, Karadur Atani was forced to usurp power from his twin brother and slay him. In this engrossing sequel, Karadur, now ensconced as dragon-lord at Dragon's Keep, fears that he may turn into a madman like his father. Karadur tries to find middle ground between being a just ruler and a dragon-changeling whose temperament, by nature, is destructive and vengeful. Hawk, Karadur's companion, is still with him, though she's been maimed and no longer changes shape. Azil, Karadur's lover, plays a smaller role, as Karadur has fallen in lust with a humble herbalist, Maia Unamira diSorvino, who can produce dragon-changeling heirs for him. Maia just happens to be half-sister of Treion Unamira, who's making a great deal of trouble for Karadur—and who may also be Karadur's half-brother. It's in Treion's interest to help Karadur keep his dragon's temper under control, and Treion suffers the most when that temper flares out with righteous anger. Lynn does a wonderful job describing the complexities of castle life, especially the domestic details of running the household. The tale suffers some from middle-book syndrome, though—it's obvious there's at least one more volume to come. Agent, Richard Curtis. (Sept. 7)
FYI:
Lynn has won two World Fantasy Awards.
