9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Acceptable sequel, September 23, 2002
"Crystal Mask" is the second book in the Echorium Sequence, a hit new fantasy series by British author Katherine Roberts. While it doesn't quite measure up to the first book of the series, it manages to be a solid fantasy story that continues from the prior storyline.
A strange young girl, Shaiala, wanders in the desert, remembering how a herd of young centaurs -- with whom she has lived her whole life -- was kidnapped by frightening "Two Hoofs." Now Shaiala ends up at the Echorium, home of the Singers who can provide laughter, fear, relaxation, and death with their songs. They believe centaurs to be mere myths, but it proves that the girl's mind has been tampered with. And a young trainee named Renn proves to be the key when he understands her "half speech."
The key to Shaiala's experiences is apparently a crystal mask, but she is reluctant to trust any of the "Two Hoofs." And Renn isn't too crazy about Shaiala either -- it's rumored that anyone who understands half-speech will later go insane. He, Shaiala, a desert prince sold into slavery, and two very familiar Singers will venture out -- and confront a vengeful enemy that everyone had thought to be gone.
Perhaps the greatest weakness of this book is that to understand its plot, you need to have read the first book. Old friends and enemies crop up, with cameos by the merlee and a few mentions of quetzal. Readers will also enjoy reading about Rialle, Kherron and Frenn -- who all serve unusual roles in Renn's life. But their existance, and that of the villain, won't make much sense unless you have first read "Song Quest." And the pacing seems a little off, especially when it accelerates during the final pages.
Renn is a good reluctant hero; he doesn't want to leave his home, where he has never really felt comfortable anyhow. But his quest serves to make him more tolerant and mature, and gives him some new insights into his past. Shaiala provides both some fire to the narrative, and some mild comic turns when she kicks people. Roberts keeps readers in the dark for quite some time as to what is going on with Shaiala, and whether the centaurs are real, or a part of her altered memory. And the low-key desert prince Erihan serves as a good damper on Shaiala's frustration and loneliness.
While not quite as good as the first book, "Crystal Mask" is an intriguing fantasy read for kids and adults alike, and offers promise for Roberts' future Echorium books.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Best Fantasies Yet, April 29, 2002
By A Customer
Crystal Mask is one of the most original and exciting fantasy books that I have read. Roberts has done an excellent job with this book. It is filled with superb imagery and its plotline is great. A must read for anyone who loves excitement. Glued to my seat during the entire sitting and read it over and over again. Could not for the life of me put it down. A definite Winner!
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