Book two of Wells' Exiles Saga purports to conclude it and, indeed, provides an adequate resolution to the story. If Wells has actually resisted the temptation to write a trilogy or more, he is a man of antique virtue--one who also has a fair number of literary gifts, including those for pacing, world building, and freshening virtually archetypal fantasy concepts and characters. Wells' hero, while given the warriorlike appellation the Major, has a reluctance to be heroic that gives him depth; nevertheless, his demonic opponents give him a serious fight and, though overcome in the end, put readers in real suspense. The rebellious, demagogic Dreamer is reminiscent of Patrick Buchanan, and Akratil is a persuasive villain as, by both material and magical means, he sows doubts that nearly turn the tide before the final victory. Good, solid, satisfying fantasy fare.
Roland Green
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Review
Author of
Lords of The Sky and
The GodwarsFrom the Paperback edition.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.