From Publishers Weekly
Religious and ancient magical conflicts threaten the fragile peace of the divided kingdom of Ylesuin in Cherryh's fifth Fortress fantasy (after 2000's
Fortress of Dragons), an intense coming-of-age story. Aewyn, the 15-year-old heir to the throne, has been raised apart from his illegitimate brother, Otter (aka Elfwyn), who resides with Gran, a hedge-witch. The boys, potentially future enemies, adore their father, King Cefwyn, who encourages their friendship by asking Otter to live with them after he turns 16. Almost immediately problems occur with the Quinalt, a religious sect that abhors Otter's mixed heritage. Strange encounters in a haunted library and a nightmarish visit from Otter's mother, an angry sorceress who has escaped from a tower prison, point to worse trouble to come. A helpful introduction will guide newcomers through the complex plot.
(Nov.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From School Library Journal
Adult/High School–This title marks Cherryh's return to high fantasy. It's been 16 years since the final moments of
Fortress of Dragons (HarperCollins, 2000), and Cefwyn now sits on the throne as the just ruler of a tenuously united kingdom. He begins to look toward a future filled with the promise of good things he sees in his two sons: Aewyn, the 15-year-old rightful heir to the throne, and Elfwyn, an illegitimate child of Cefwyn and the dark sorceress Tarien Aswydd. Raised by the good witch Gran, Elfwyn has grown up unaware of his noble lineage. But Cefwyn claims him and takes him to live at the capital, where he becomes fast friends with his half brother. As much as Elfwyn enjoys his new life, the dark side of his parentage constantly pulls on him to release some powerful magic that could destroy everything his father worked so hard to create. Elfwyn's character, teetering so desperately between two very different paths, will draw readers into this dramatic and magical coming-of-age story. Much of the early part of the book relies on political intrigue and constant references to the history of the land; wisely, Cherryh includes a short introduction that provides a quick summary of the backstory. The ending hinges entirely on the strength of Elfwyn's character and his ability to make the right choice between good and evil.
–Matthew L. Moffett, Ford's Theatre Society, Washington, DC Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
