Customer Reviews

Scion's Blood Book Two of The Chronicles of Firma (The Chroncles of Firma)

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The second book of Pat Nelson Child's Chronicles of Firma trilogy, Scion's Blood, is just as adventurous and fun as the first installment was. The story begins rather slowly and the first few chapters are somewhat domesticky. (Is that even a word?) By that, I mean Rokey and Flaskamper are having serious marital problems. It's been three years since Orphan's Quest ended and Rokey's studies and training with the High Mage is taking all of his time and leaving very little for Flaskamper, who naturally is feeling neglected. With both of them misinterpreting each other's actions, a wedge is driven between them and they begin drifting apart. But then two separate kidnappings occur - first, the young daughter of the King of Duncileer, and then Rokey himself, and here the story really kicks into high gear. The rescue attempts are orchestrated and the tension is high as the two separate story lines play well against each other. More history is revealed of the nefarious Order of the Bone, and new heroic characters are introduced.

I also must give kudos to the author for a very poignant scene involving the character of Fia. It actually took place in the timeframe of the first book, but Childs very wisely held it back to be included in this book as a flashback. The reveal is much more powerful being recalled after three years of healing and reflection than it would have been if it were kept chronologically in place in the first book.

This book is a little darker and a bit gorier that the first. That's generally true of most Fantasy/Sci-fi serials, even the Harry Potter books kept getting darker and scarier. There's also a bit more sexual innuendo, but it's still teen safe. Only the most conservative, fundamentalist parents would object, and they would probably object more to the gay aspect of it anyway.

The only minor quibble I have is that nearly all the characters have a tendency to overuse nicknames and terms of endearment. While it's true that Flaskamper and his brother Alrontin are very close, it sometimes felt a little too cloying for them to be dribbling sweetness to each other.

But I digress. For me, Scion's Blood is a solidly-crafted fantasy adventure, with plenty of action-filled battles, magic and romance. I happily await the conclusion in Numen's Trust.

As Book Two of the Chronicles of Firma commences we find Rokey learning how to master the remarkable powers he demonstrated when freeing himself and his lover, now husband, Flaskamper from the sinister and potentially fatal clutches of the brother of the Order of the Bone. The two young men now live in Elfwood, and while Rokey is being tutored in the magical arts, Flaskamper is a Guard Commander under his brother Alrontin. It is three years since the dramatic events at the Nobel Contemplative, and while the Order of the Bone has been scheming new plans to attain its goal, relations between Rokey and Flaskamper have more recently been strained, leading to their separation.

Taking advantage of the difficulties between Rokey and Flash, the Order of the Bone seizes the opportunity and kidnaps Rokey, but not with then intention of disposing of him; at least not immediately, for they even more wicked plans in store for him. Flash already regretting his separation from Rokey immediately sets out to save him, and so we see the gathering of their old friends, Fia and Lorq, along with Alrontin and some new allies as they set off to accomplish their task. Their new friends include a small Bronze Dragon who can transform into an enormous and fearsome fire-breathing dragon, and a pair of shape shifting ferocious fire cats who can transform unashamedly into beautiful naked humans.

Through the course of their mission they have to overcome a number of seemingly insurmountable obstacles to reach Rokey, with some tragic consequences; all the while Flash becoming more and more desperate fearing they will be too late.

Living up to and surpassing the promise of Orphan's Quest, Scion's Blood is a gripping and inventive magical adventure. Equally appealing are the various leading characters and the trusting relationships they enjoy. While we don't see quite so much of Rokey, he remains modest and unassuming despite the obvious enormity of his powers and the importance of his role as regards the future of Firma. The relationship between Flash and his brother Alrontin is further expanded, and we see what a beautiful, loyal and loving relationship it is. Flash is of course his old charming self, but he also demonstrates great compassion, risking his life and even his entire mission to save others he does not even know.

We also learn more of the complex history and mystery of the land of Firma, which makes what is yet to come all the more enticing. I am sure that we will not have to wait too long for the final part of the trilogy, Numen's Trust; I for one cannot wait to learn the outcome of this remarkable fantasy epic.

This sequel to Orphan's Quest Book One of The Chronicles of Firma took me longer to get into, but it was well worth it. It was slow for me not because it isn't a great story, but because I knew our happy couple was going to separate. I was happy when Flash and Rokey decided to marry. I liked them together. That's not to say I don't understand that the first few years of a marriage can be difficult, with doubts and insecurities. And certainly a clever enemy would take advantage of such an opportunity. But, I didn't want it to happen! Yet, overcoming separation is something of a theme here. The first third of the novel shows us the original companions spread across the world, living new lives. The reader must follow a few different story threads. Yet, those stories have an underlying connection. The Order of the Bone has reached into every land. While the first novel had quest in the title, it was more a journey of self discovery and finding one's destiny. This book is a quest! When Rokey and Flash are betrayed, Rokey is kidnapped by the Order and Flash must gather his friends to rescue his true love, and the possible savior of all Firma. The hunt is on!

"Scion's Blood" goes into greater depth on the mythology of Firma as well as advancing the plot from book one. Since our heroes are settled at the beginning, we can get more information on the world without interrupting the action. One especially good bit is the revelation of "No-When," another dimension that sits alongside this one. Rokey has been training with the Elf mages to harness his powers. He accidentally travels through No-When while trying to test the limits of his power. It is something akin to Anne McCaffrey's "Between," only things live in it. And a malevolent mind is asleep there. Oh, and did I mention it happens to be the source of magic? A clever bit of storytelling that is at once familiar and brand new. The reader is also introduced to new species who live in Firma, not the least of which are Firecats and Dragons. Childs is very skilled at pulling themes from classic fantasy and making them his own. The Order is trying to resurrect a god, Cyure, who believes in bringing peace to Firma through absolute dictatorship. Only Cyure's brother opposes this. Certainly, this borrows a bit from Eddings, but the idea reaches back to ancient Greek myths as well. Yet, Childs manages to take it down a new path. One that gives some explanation to Rokey's destiny (and which I will not spoil here). What we are left with is a richer world that these characters exist in and we now have a stake in.

One weakness of this installment is the lack of the main character - Rokey. After he is kidnapped, we do not see him again until near the end (though we do get some answers - woohoo!). This is something of a disappointment because he is such a dynamic character. What are his powers; what is he destined for? However, into this void the author gives us more development of Alrontin, Flash's elder brother. The Elf Prince is noble, brave and seriously flawed, just like everyone else. His interaction gives more dimension to Flash, as well as Elven society. A worthy hero to replace Stamford for the companions. Though the quest does get bogged down occasionally in descriptions of "where we are, and where we are going" (just like every other quest story I have read) the book remains fast paced, and exciting. Just as with the first novel, there is enough conclusion to keep me from gritting my teeth in frustration, but the story is far from over. Overall, an excellent sequel to Orphan's Quest that manages to bridge into "Numen's Trust" without being just a middle book. I can hardly wait for the next installment. Highly recommended!

I sooooo meant to review SCION'S BLOOD: Book Two of THE CHRONICLES OF FIRMA, when I read it long ago when it came out - no pun intended with the choice of words!. At this point I don't remember all the details, yet after an year and a half I wanted to go on record to say that the journey and romance of the protagonists is simply wonderfully enchanting!!! Having positive heros in literature for gay youth is of paramount importance; I only wish books like this were available to me in my teens - they would of made a world of difference. Young or old, we all need a positive, life affirmming place to love and to contribute - the authors books give the reader just such a place. While I am now middle aged I completely enjoyed the universe PAT NELSON CHILDS has created, and would highly recomend SCION'S BLOOD, along with ORPHAN'S QUEST (the first book) to anyone who enjoys an exciting story well told - gay or not. I can hardly wait for NEWMAN'S TRUST(Book 3), the final book in the saga for the conclusion of Rokey and Flaskamper's journey! Pat is a wonderful writer and is doing a huge service by writing and sharing his much needed cosmology. These books are worth repeated reading and should forever be in ones home library. The funny thing was I knew these books would be special and I ordered them upfront in hardcover; books to me never seem like real books unless they are hardcover - and I knew in advance these were going to be life-long keepers! THANKS PAT YOUR AWESOME - KEEP WRITING!!!

As Book Two of the Chronicles of Firma commences we find Rokey learning how to master the remarkable powers he demonstrated when freeing himself and his lover, now husband, Flaskamper from the sinister and potentially fatal clutches of the brother of the Order of the Bone. The two young men now live in Elfwood, and while Rokey is being tutored in the magical arts, Flaskamper is a Guard Commander under his brother Alrontin. It is three years since the dramatic events at the Nobel Contemplative, and while the Order of the Bone has been scheming new plans to attain its goal, relations between Rokey and Flaskamper have more recently been strained, leading to their separation.

Taking advantage of the difficulties between Rokey and Flash, the Order of the Bone seizes the opportunity and kidnaps Rokey, but not with then intention of disposing of him; at least not immediately, for they even more wicked plans in store for him. Flash already regretting his separation from Rokey immediately sets out to save him, and so we see the gathering of their old friends, Fia and Lorq, along with Alrontin and some new allies as they set off to accomplish their task. Their new friends include a small Bronze Dragon who can transform into an enormous and fearsome fire-breathing dragon, and a pair of shape shifting ferocious fire cats who can transform unashamedly into beautiful naked humans.

Through the course of their mission they have to overcome a number of seemingly insurmountable obstacles to reach Rokey, with some tragic consequences; all the while Flash becoming more and more desperate fearing they will be too late.

Living up to and surpassing the promise of Orphan's Quest, Scion's Blood is a gripping and inventive magical adventure. Equally appealing are the various leading characters and the trusting relationships they enjoy. While we don't see quite so much of Rokey, he remains modest and unassuming despite the obvious enormity of his powers and the importance of his role as regards the future of Firma. The relationship between Flash and his brother Alrontin is further expanded, and we see what a beautiful, loyal and loving relationship it is. Flash is of course his old charming self, but he also demonstrates great compassion, risking his life and even his entire mission to save others he does not even know.

We also learn more of the complex history and mystery of the land of Firma, which makes what is yet to come all the more enticing. I am sure that we will not have to wait too long for the final part of the trilogy, Numen's Trust; I for one cannot wait to learn the outcome of this remarkable fantasy epic.

This sequel to "Orphan's Quest" took me longer to get into, but it was well worth it. It was slow for me not because it isn't a great story, but because I knew our happy couple was going to separate. I was happy when Flash and Rokey decided to marry. I liked them together. That's not to say I don't understand that the first few years of a marriage can be difficult, with doubts and insecurities. And certainly a clever enemy would take advantage of such an opportunity. But, I didn't want it to happen! Yet, overcoming separation is something of a theme here. The first third of the novel shows us the original companions spread across the world, living new lives. The reader must follow a few different story threads. Yet, those stories have an underlying connection. The Order of the Bone has reached into every land. While the first novel had quest in the title, it was more a journey of self discovery and finding one's destiny. This book is a quest! When Rokey and Flash are betrayed, Rokey is kidnapped by the Order and Flash must gather his friends to rescue his true love, and the possible savior of all Firma. The hunt is on!

"Scions' Blood" gives more depth to the mythology of Firma as well as advancing the plot from book one. Since our heroes are settled at the beginning, we can get more information on the world without interrupting the action. One especially good bit is the revelation of "No-When," another dimension that sits alongside this one. Rokey has been training with the Elf mages to harness his powers. He accidentally travels through No-When while trying to test the limits of his power. It is something akin to Anne McCaffrey's "Between," only things live in it. And a malevolent mind is asleep there. Oh, and did I mention it happens to be the source of magic? A clever bit of storytelling that is at once familiar and brand new. The reader is also introduced to new species who live in Firma, not the least of which are Firecats and Dragons. Childs is very skilled at pulling themes from classic fantasy and making them his own. The Order is trying to resurrect a god, Cyure, who believes in bringing peace to Firma through absolute dictatorship. Only Cyure's brother opposes this. Certainly, this borrows a bit from Eddings, but the idea reaches back to ancient Greek myths as well. Yet, Childs manages to take it down a new path. One that gives some explanation to Rokey's destiny (and which I will not spoil here). What we are left with is a richer world that these characters exist in and we now have a stake in.

One weakness of this installment is the lack of the main character - Rokey. After he is kidnapped, we do not see him again until near the end (though we do get some answers - woohoo!). This is something of a disappointment because he is such a dynamic character. What are his powers; what is he destined for? However, into this void the author gives us more development of Alrontin, Flash's elder brother. The Elf Prince is noble, brave and seriously flawed, just like everyone else. His interaction gives more dimension to Flash, as well as Elven society. A worthy hero to replace Stamford for the companions. Though the quest does get bogged down occasionally in descriptions of "where we are, and where we are going" (just like every other quest story I have read) the book remains fast paced, and exciting. Just as with the first novel, there is enough conclusion to keep me from gritting my teeth in frustration, but the story is far from over. Overall, an excellent sequel to Orphan's Quest that manages to bridge into "Numen's Trust" without being just a middle book. I can hardly wait for the next installment. Highly recommended!