Redeeming the Lost (Tor Fantasy) [Mass Market Paperback]

Elizabeth Kerner (Author)

Book Description

Series: Tor Fantasy | Publication Date: November 29, 2005

The prophecies are coming true and the ancient race of the Kantri-or true dragons-have come back to the world of Men. It was through the actions of Young Lanen Kaelar that the Kantri were reminded of the larger world. It was bravery (and a mad belief in the old tales) that caused the young woman to start a perilous journey to find the great dragons of legend. In doing so, she found not only the reality of the myth but her own true love. He was the great Dragon King, an immensely powerful creature out of time who ultimately chose life over death, a puny mortal form rather than the power of a kingship to be with this most extraordinary woman. As he is Dragon in Man's form, the being known as Varien has risked much to stay by Lanen's side.

Their haven destroyed, the Kantri have chosen instead of seeking a new home to return to the land of their greatest defeat and to the fear of the people who rejected their aid so long ago. They bring ancient power and knowledge and the Kantri have come to see what the "littlings" have made of their world.

And much of what they find distresses them. For humans have squandered much of their heritage, the small dragons that were left behind are little more than cattle...and there are those who do remember the ancient ways...and have allied themselves with the race of demons who long to destroy all the world. The Kantri are disturbed and look to Varien and Lanen help them redeem what has been lost so long ago and make the world right again.

But Lanen is captured by the human demon-master Berys, who seeks to corrupt the ancient prophecy. He will try to use Lanen's new-found powers to gain control of the very fabric of the universe and in doing so, secure the demon forces of the otherworld and rule forever.

It is up to her true love Varien and one of the most unlikely alliances ever seen to rescue Lanen. And if Varien fails, not only will Lanen's life and the fates of his beloved Kantri hang in the balance. For the stage is now set for a confrontation between the forces of light and darkness...and if the good fail, not only will the Kantri fail but the human world will be doomed as well...

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This is an archetypal tale given originality by excellent characterization. The Kantri, or true dragons, have returned to the human world from which they fled centuries ago after a devastating battle with a demon lord. One of the wisest Kantri, Varien has become so enamored of the human woman who sought them out that he has taken human form for her sake. But the lady has been captured by the demon-master Berys. Berys must be destroyed before he can call the demons to destroy both the Kantri and the Gedri (humans). A different character narrates each chapter, and the narrators include a selection of the villains. Kerner handles first-person narration quite skillfully, and she develops both characters and action smoothly. It helps to have read this book's predecessors, Song in the Silence (1998) and The Lesser Kindred (2001), in Kern's dragon series, but that isn't strictly necessary to enjoying this consistently intelligent tale, which will captivate even readers who thought themselves thoroughly jaded about draconic studies. Frieda Murray
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“A rousing, inventive, action-packed conclusion.”—Kirkus on Redeeming the Lost

“An archetypal tale given originality by excellent characterization…this consistently intelligent tale will captivate even readers who thought themselves thoroughly jaded about draconic studies.”—Booklist on Redeeming the Lost

“A real page turner.”—VOYA on Redeeming the Lost

“A solid conclusion to Kerner’s high fantasy series…Anne McCaffrey fans, take note.”—Publishers Weekly on Redeeming the Lost

“Elizabeth Kerner’s interpretation is fresh and exciting, seamlessly interweaving several plot lines and portraying her characters with humor and sympathy…The Lesser Kindred establishes Elizabeth Kerner as a gifted storyteller.”—Romantic Times on The Lesser Kindred

“An entertaining fantasy tale…fans that relish an intrepid female lead allied with dragons in battle against sorcerers and demons will enjoy Elizabeth Kerner’s tale.”—Midwest Book Review on The Lesser Kindred

“A complex and gratifying tale of loyalty and perseverance.”—Library Journal on The Lesser Kindred

“I had very much liked Song in the Silence and was most curious as to who the Lesser Kindred were. A good book is a real find but a good sequel to a good book is an extra treat. Especially if your curiosity has been nagging at you to find out what happens next. I've read The Lesser Kindred and now I want to find out what happens NEXT! The story is not over. I want more!”—Anne McCaffrey on The Lesser Kindred

“Every time it looks as if dragons had been done to death, along comes a yarn like this to revive them…With excellent narrative technique, wit, and intelligence, Kerner weaves these strands into a brisk story capped by a plausible happy ending. A superior debut.”—Booklist on Song in the Silence

“This adventure fantasy by a gifted storyteller belongs on most fantasy collection shelves.”—Library Journal on Song in the Silence

“A solidly detailed and impressively developed debut. Expect sequels.”—Kirkus Reviews on Song in the Silence

“Elizabeth Kerner weaves her tale with a lovely blend of lyricism and invention. If you are one of those aspiring souls who fly with dragons in their dreams, this is the book for you!”—Deborah Turner Harris on Song in the Silence
“Not since Elizabeth Moon’s valiant Pak has a heroine of such stature, physical and moral, strode onto the stage of fantasy. The always irresistible connection between humankind and dragon born is given here a new twist. Thus this is a book to be read and shelved--for a second or third visit in the future--which is the best quality test any reader can devise.”—Andre Norton on Song in the Silence

“Elizabeth Kerner has a strong new voice that has the cadences and resonance of an old and wise bard.”—Jane Yolen on Song in the Silence

“Song in the Silence is an intelligently written romantic fantasy with a strong female protagonist. It will certainly appeal to fans of Anne McCaffrey and Mercedes Lackey.”—Josepha Sherman on Song in the Silence

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Tor Fantasy (November 29, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812568761
• ISBN-13: 978-0812568769
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 3.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #343,642 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born in 1958 in Florida, and have spent much of my life since getting away from hot weather. As a Navy brat I never did know where home was, but have now settled as an American living happily in Scotland.
I've always been in love with fairy tales, mythology, legend - and dragons. The Oriental dragons, who could take human form, were especially mysterious and wonderful. For years I hunted for the perfect dragon story, until - sorry about the cliche - I eventually realised that I was just going to have to write it myself. Song in the Silence and its sequels are the result. And to whet your appetite, I am currently working on the next series of Kolmar novels featuring Lanen and Co. - the first is due out in April 2011. Watch this space!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ENJOYABLE CONCLUSION TO A PLEASANT SERIES, September 17, 2004

By 

Phillip B. Spotts "cintibookworm" (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Redeeming the Lost (Hardcover)

With REDEEMING THE LOST Ms. Kerner completes the story begun in SONG IN THE SILENCE and THE LESSER KINDRED. Often in the past I have, with good reason it turns out, dreaded the concluding volumes in a series I have been following. Not just because I have enjoyed the story and am sorry to see it over but because so many endings seem to be poorly thought out and incomplete. When this happens it can spoil or at least taint the entire work. Luckily such is not the case with RTL.

In fact as far as conclusions go this is one of the better ones. Tight, exciting, and masterfully fit to the entire plot it leaves you with the sense that you have not only just finished a well written book but a well told story.

Retelling the plot here would be counter productive. If you read the first two then you know what is going on and what was left to be done, if you haven't then you shouldn't be reading this one anyway. Let's just say it is a seamless continuation of THE LESSER KINDRED and follows through to the end.

As with the first two volumes the characters are full and vibrant, the plot interesting and well paced and the action exciting.

All in all a fine conclusion for a better than average series. This is one I definitely RECOMMEND it.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Final Battle, June 1, 2004

By 

Arthur W. Jordin (Smyrna, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Redeeming the Lost (Hardcover)

Redeeming the Lost is the third novel in the Tale of Lanen Kaelar series, following The Lesser Kindred. In the previous novel, Lanen and Varien were driven off Hadronstead by an the attack of a mercenary band after Lanen and have traveled toward the College of Mages at Verfaren. In the meantime, the apprentice healers Vilkas and Aral have fled Verfaren with their friend Willem to escape false charges of murder by the Archmage of the College.

When Lanen became desperately ill in Wolfenden from her pregnancy, Vilkas and Aral were staying at the same inn. Vilkas discovered that the mixed blood of the fetuses was incompatible with Lanen's own blood. With Aral assisting, Vilkas healed the damage, changed her blood to match that of the children, and left Lanen in a healthy pregnant state.

Shortly thereafter, Varien met Salera, a Lesser Kindred who Will has adopted. Something in Salera called to both Varien and Lanen. They learned that they could enliven Salera's soulgem, giving her the ability to think at sapient level. Varien and Lanen repeated this process for all the Lesser Kindred while Vilkas and Aral healed the soulgem sockets and other minor wounds.

The Greater Kindred have evacuated Dragon Isle to escape the volcanoes and earthquakes. While the rest of the dragons remained on the Isle of Rest, Shikrar flew on to contact Varien and Lanen, but when he reached them, Berys and his demons have grabbed Lanen and taken her away. Varien became half crazy with fear and grief.

In this novel, Lanen's mother Maran Vena has been observing her daughter for decades with the Farseer ball and knows where Berys has imprisoned Lanen. Maran starts moving toward Shikrar. Meanwhile, the remaining Greater Kindred land in a field near Wolfenden.

Maran meets Varien in the landing zone and starts to tell him about the Farseer. However, the Lost Kindred also come to the field and want something. Shikrar places a soulgem in the socket of one of the Lost Kindred, but nothing happens. However, when Varien, Lanen and Maran all touch the Farseer ball concurrently and place the ball in contact with the soulgem, it comes to life and restores the dragon to full function. The threesome restore all of the Lost Kindred and then promptly fall into a deep sleep.

The Archmage Berys receives reports of these happenings via his demon observers. He is amazed, but not worried. He continues to prepare for the ritual that will drain the soul out of Lanen's body and leave her as a puppet and married to Marik. Everything is on schedule.

In this story, the Demonmaster Berys intends to conqueror the world using the undead spirit of the Demonlord, who had long ago been thought destroyed by the dragons. Lanen is a vital part of these plans. The Black Dragon is already on the way for the final battle.

This story shows a different view of dragonkind. While quite conservative and contemptuous of Gedri -- humankind -- some have come to admire and even love Lanen and have grown to like other humans. Although leery of mankind's greed for gold, Shikrar and the other leaders among the Greater Kindred feel that they can live with this noisy, short-lived bunch.

Highly recommended for Kerner fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of dragons facing demonic magic.

-Arthur W. Jordin

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very nice conclusion to the trilogy, January 17, 2005

By 

Erik Weikum "EAW" (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Redeeming the Lost (Hardcover)

I must say I did enjoy the story a good deal and would say that it is definately worth the reading time! Redeeming the Lost is the third novel in the Tale of Lanen Kaelar series and takes up right where the last book left off.

Lanen and Varien have been seperated and their future is unsure as Lanen has been captured by the Berys and a horrible fait awaits her if her captor has his way.

But all is not lost, Lanen's mother appears with the means to track her and the Lessor Kindred have assembled with the Greater Kindred and the suddenly restored Losted.

Soon Lanen is rescued and our heros are off chasing the enemy acrossed the contient, toward the place of the final battle.

Ms. Kerner has outdone herself in the writing of the final battle!! It was amazing and heart-touching! It was amazing, you'll just have to read it for yourself!

My one complaint about this story is the Epiloge, it left me wanting more and speculating on what might happen in the years following... But all in all it is a great story.