The Lesser Kindred (Tor fantasy) [Mass Market Paperback]

Elizabeth Kerner (Author)

Book Description

Series: Tor fantasy | Publication Date: October 14, 2001

The stunning sequel to Elizabeth Kerner's Song in the Silence, The Lesser Kindred continues the story of Lanen Kaelar, a young woman who embarked on a search for the great dragons of legend and discovered not only the reality of the myth but her own true love. The course of happiness is not an easy one, however, and Lanen must make some hard choices. Her decisions could spell the salvation of an entire race--but at the cost of all she holds dear.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Just as Lanen Kaelar and her husband settle into newly wedded happiness, home from their fiery adventures of vanquishing demons, their nemesis, archmage Berys, manages to complete the rites needed to become master of all demons and ruler of the land of the Gedri. This sequel to Kerner's Song in the Silence starts slowly and with too much emphasis on wedded bliss, but picks up considerable steam as the story plays out. Lanen's beloved, Varian, is a dragon who has been changed into a Gedri (human form) for some purpose yet unknown. Lanen herself becomes changed into something not quite Gedri during the course of the book. At the same time, the KantriAthe true dragonsAare forced to flee their homeland in exile and return to the home they left on Kolmar 5,000 years ago. In their quest to understand what is happening to them, Lanen and Varian happen upon the Lesser Kindred, dragons who lost their souls five centuries ago when the true dragons were cast out of Kolmar. The cliffhanger ending of the book reveals that there will be at least one more volume in the series. Once past the first several chapters, which are mostly a rehash of Song in the Silence, the narrative moves briskly and enjoyably. Kerner's prose is easy on the ear and the exploits of the dragons are new and fresh. Though there are a few spots where the plot becomes truly predictable, this is a charming book that can be read in one sitting. (Dec.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Elizabeth Kerner has a strong new voice that has the cadences and resonance of an old and wise bard."--Jane Yolen

"A complex and gratifying tale of loyalty and perseverance."--Library Journal

"A good book is a real find but a good sequel to good book is n extra treat. I've red The Lesser Kindred and now I want to find out what happens next! the story is not over. I want more!"--Anne McCaffrey

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Tor Fantasy; 1st edition (October 14, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812568753
• ISBN-13: 978-0812568752
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #267,844 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent sequel, January 3, 2001

By 

Kristin S. (Vermont, U.S.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Lesser Kindred (Hardcover)

I wasn't sure Elizabeth Kerner could write a sequel that would live up to the first, but she has. One of the best parts of "Song in the Silence" was the element of discovery, wonder, learning and new emotions. To my delight, I found everything that made the first book so entertaining in this book.

Soon after Lanen and Varien are married, they must leave (not that Lanen would settle down anyway). The demonmaster Berys is still after her. The prophecy about "Marik of Gundar's blood and bone" means that Berys needs Lanen, and he will stop at nothing to get her. But, for all the darkness of the plot, "The Lesser Kindred" gives the reader a wide range of emotions. There are moments of fear, anger, joy, wonder, happiness, disgust and laughter. This is part of what makes this sequel so enjoyable.

The beginning of the book is kind of slow for anyone who read the first book. The characters take a long time to conveniently remember everything that happened to them in the first book. After that, though, the plot and the rest of the book really take off. Elizabeth Kerner brings back the multiple first-person format of her first novel. This might interfere or cause confusion for some readers, but overall, it is a good device. The reader can see the characters thoughts and plans before they are revealed to the other characters.

Lanen, Varien, Shikrar, Idai, Kedra, Berys, Jamie, Rella, Marik and Maikel return. The characters are developed further while staying within the personalities they showed in the first book. New characters, including more healers and more dragons, are introduced. The elements of Farspeech, soulgems, demons, healing, lansip and dragons also return.

In all, I think this is a fabulous sequel. It doesn't stray from the ideas, rules and personalities of the first book, but it also has new and surprising revelations. And yes, it does have a cliffhanger ending. Never fear. Elizabeth Kerner is hard at work on the third book.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A cliff-hangar ending, December 16, 2000

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lesser Kindred (Hardcover)

In her quest to find the mythical great dragons, Lanen Kaelar found love (see SONG IN THE SILENCE). Lanen and her beloved Varien, a great dragon in human clothing, are married and bound even closer by the Truespeech or Farspeech (brain to brain communication without the middle "man" the voice) depending in which species' vernacular one uses.

Life should be ideal for the couple, but alas evil still exists. One malevolent demon controlling the sorcerer Berys, strongly believes Lanen is the answer to an ancient prophecy, which he ultimately plans to bend to his benefit. He sets in motion his endeavor by sending his horde to abduct Lanen, who he plans to give to his demons. Only Varien and a few brave individuals stand in the way of the demons completing the opening phases of Berys' quest, but in the end it remains for Lanen to try to save dragonkind and humankind.

THE LESSER KINDRED is an entertaining fantasy tale that diehard fans will enjoy. The story is filled with action although reading Truespeech conversations leaves the audience feeling like voyeurs. The tale ends in a cliffhanger that makes the plot seem incomplete and requires readers to obtain book three if they want closure. Sub-genre fans that relish an intrepid female lead allied with dragons in battle against sorcerers and demons will enjoy Elizabeth Kerner's tale.

Harriet Klausner

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome! More then five stars! Summer Paulus, November 13, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Lesser Kindred (Tor fantasy) (Mass Market Paperback)

When I read the first book I thought it was good, but when I read the secound book, Wow, I could not get enough! The first book was filled with action, drama, and romance. This one was filled with more action, drama, and a whole lot more romance! Now that I put the book down, well I'm waiting for the last book to come out in paperback. And now that I must wait, I'm tapping my pencil and chewing on my finger nails, I can't wait! But I'm disapointed because the books have to end so soon. Elizabeth Kerner is so talented I want more! I'm writting my own books and look up to Elizabeth as an idal, I'm a huge fan of her books. And now that the books are ending so soon, I don't know what to look for next. I just hope she will write another series that will be as good as this one. I want to be a famouse Author and working on a book right now called Elegant Sea.