Review by Booklist Review
Informed of a rising darkness that threatens Necrad, Aelfric returns there and is nearly killed by a witch elf. He is sent to the northern provinces to counsel Earl Duna and discovers that the witch elf, Ildorae, has infiltrated Castle Duna. Aelfric captures and interrogates her and learns that nothing is as it seems. When he encounters a being called Death who intends to destroy Necrad, Aelfric flees back to Necrad to inform the council. Aelfric leads the league army to the shores of Lake Bavduin for a parley that ends in disaster before he is saved by Ildorae. In the meantime, Aelfric's sister searches for her son, who has run off. After several adventures she finds herself in Necrad, and Aelfric agrees to help her find her son. In the tradition of Tolkien and Eddings, with a richly detailed narrative, well-drawn characters, epic battles, and political and religious intrigues, Hanrahan's outstanding first outing in the Lands of the Firstborn series will thrill fantasy readers--who will anxiously await the next book.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
This series launch from Hanrahan (The Broken God) is a slow-burning epic of faith and betrayal that explores what happens to heroes when the adventures are over and the lines between good and evil are no longer so clear-cut. Aelfric is a living legend, a simple farm boy turned knight venerated for his courage, loyalty, and stout heart. He is counted among the nine companions who defeated the necromancer Lord Bone and his horde of horrors. But those glorious days are now 20 years behind him, and all he has left is the treacherous talking sword named Spellbreaker and a new prophecy that portends looming doom. Burdened and wayward, Alf clings desperately to old bonds and once more seeks out the Nine to face this new threat. The ancient miasmic city Necrad is at the center of it all, which is played up through the rich worldbuilding heavily influenced by Tolkien. VERDICT This novel has the potential to become a fan-favorite among those who appreciate vast and eloquent epic fantasy. Readers will enjoy the unique twists, absorbing intrigue, and endearing characters.--Andrea Dyba
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