From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up -This intricate and lushly written sequel to The Cup of the World (Random, 2004) continues the story 10 years later. Phaedra, widow of the hated, self-proclaimed king, has fled her homeland for her husband's desolate stronghold in the mountains. She and their son, Ambrose, 12, live in constant fear of Paigan, the boy's uncle across nine generations who has remained alive for 300 years with the help of under-craft, a powerful black magic. For the past 10 years he has been trapped in a magical circle of stones, but he's determined to escape and kill Ambrose in order to prolong his own life. When the vengeful, power-hungry son of an old friend of Phaedra's discovers under-craft, he helps Paigan escape and Ambrose has to flee for his life. He finds refuge in the household of the Widow of Develin and trains as a scholar under an assumed name. The Widow's headstrong daughter, Sophie, takes an interest in him while falling in love with an older scholar with ties to Ambrose's past. In doing so, they become unwitting pawns in the warring factions within the Kingdom. This coming-of-age tale explores the themes of power and the price that's paid for it, revenge and forgiveness, all set in a fully realized medieval world where philosophy and religion dominate. The characters aren't always likable, but sophisticated readers will empathize with their struggles and find themselves drawn into this richly imagined fantasy world. To fully appreciate this complex series, it's recommended that the books be read in order.-Sharon Rawlins, Piscataway Public Library, NJ
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Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Gr. 9-12. This sequel to The Cup of the World (2004) opens 12 years after the end of the first story. Ambrose, son of Phaedra and last in the king's line, is living in exile with his mother in Tarceny. Ambrose's life is threatened when the hooded prince of the wicked Undercraft is released from a magical prison. The Undercraft is an ancestral spirit of pure evil that must end Ambrose's life in order for it to survive. Ambrose hides in the house of the Widow of Develin, a hallowed place of learning and haven of education. But a priest and his minions slowly and subtly infiltrate, corrupting the minds of the most educated and powerful, leaving Ambrose in mortal danger. Fans of the first novel will not be disappointed with this compelling, thoughtful sequel. Dickinson creates an intricate, complex world with memorable characters and engrossing subplots that fantasy enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy. Ed Sullivan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
