cover image PRINCE OF FIRE AND ASHES

PRINCE OF FIRE AND ASHES

Katya Reimann, . . Tor, $27.95 (480pp) ISBN 978-0-312-86009-7

The long-awaited third and final volume of Reimann's Tielmaran Chronicles (Wind from a Foreign Sky; Tremor in the Bitter Earth) neatly wraps up previous plots, though it can stand on its own, with its well-rounded characters, full explanations and absorbing story line. Gaultry Bas, "the huntress-witch of Arleon forest," returns to Tielmark with Tullier, a young prince of the rival Bissanty Empire. Sworn to safeguard Tullier while also serving her own country, Gaultry must find a way to make her prince, Benet, king and protect his crown. In addition to battling the outside enemy, she must also combat enemies from within—a coven of witches who have been waiting for the moment to bring an ancient plot to its terrible conclusion. In the process, Gaultry has to learn to understand her own strengths and weaknesses as she traverses the politics and intrigues of court life. When danger threatens to strike once more close to home, she has to depart with Tullier to fight for freedom and sovereignty abroad, leaving others to confront and foil the evils nearer to home. Deftly interweaving the various subplots in a rich yet accessible prose style, Reimann transports the reader to a world of magic and action in this rewarding and intricate read. Agent, Shawna McCarthy. (July 12)

FYI:The author was a finalist for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer.