The Belly of the Wolf: Lens of the World, Vol. 3

MacAvoy concludes what may be one of the best fantasy series of the decade with this follow-up to her Lens of the World and King of the Dead. Here Nazhuret, unwilling warrior-philosopher who seems unable to avoid political intrigue, has grown old, living with his daughter Nahvah (herself an accomplished fighter) and poignant memories of his deceased wife. News comes of the death of Nazhuret's long-time friend King Rudof, ruler of his native Velonya, and of the strife which has ensued as patriotic rebels refuse to recognize Rudof's son Benar as the new king. Inspired by bastardized versions of Nazhuret's own philosophies, the rebels claim that Benar had a hand in his father's death, and Nazhuret--reluctant as always--sets out to clear things up before Velonya tears itself apart. As in earlier volumes, MacAvoy subverts the heroic fantasy tradition with a languid approach to action and an unusual interest in the depths of character--though there is plenty of swordplay, there is even more of Nazhuret's thoughts--and her prose is graceful, understated and vivid. Anyone who doubts that fantasy can be literary, artistic, thoughtful and genuinely moving need only follow Nazhuret's adventures to learn otherwise. (Jan.)