cover image The Twilight Herald: Book Two of the Twilight Reign

The Twilight Herald: Book Two of the Twilight Reign

Tom Lloyd, . . Pyr, $15.98 (505pp) ISBN 978-1-59102-733-1

In this elaborate and character-laden sequel to 2008's The Stormcaller , Isak the White-Eyed, new ruler of the Farlan tribe, tries to save the city of Scree as a magical spell turns it into a cesspit of evil and death. With the aid of a dubious group of comrades, Isak investigates the blessing and curse of his white eyes, which grant him mostly unexplained magical powers and superior strength as well as a powerful rage he must learn to control. As he matures, the plot deepens, with several characters questioning their loyalties and pursuing unclear agendas. The result is a wonderfully dense and often gruesome story of martial might and raw magic. Fans who liked the first book but thought Lloyd could do better will be thrilled to be proven right. (Mar.)