Book Review By Harriet Klausner
The Gathering Storm by Kate Elliot



Daw, Feb 2003, 24.95, 625 pp.
ISBN: 0756401194

The ancient spell that exiled the Aoi from the planet is failing to hold. Thus the elven horde is expected to return soon, which means havoc and perhaps the final pandemic cataclysm. Also coming back to her home is Liath, after learning to use her powers while being away for a week in her time, but four years on her home world. While she was gone, her husband Prince Sanglant has raised an army and has tried to obtain the griffins as an ally in the upcoming war.

As Sanglant and Liath want to rediscover one another, the future of humanity will not allow them to linger together. Separately they must abort the efforts of mathematici Anne and Hugh and their supporters from recasting the original spell that displaced the Aoi over a millennium ago as success means most likely planetary devastation at a level never seen before.

The fifth epic tale in the “Crown of Stars” sextet, THE GATHERING STORM, is a complex exciting fantasy, but is also difficult to follow especially for newcomers. The action-packed story line includes numerous subplots and a cast in the DeMille numbers.

Harriet Klausner


Plot
Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - fantasy world/fantasy past
Coming of age Yes
Youngster becomes - a powerful magician
Romance Yes
Romance plotlets: - two lovers coping with tough mission
War or Invasion Yes
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Descript. of chases or violence - 10 %
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40 %
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40 %
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 10 %

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status:
Age: - 20's-30's
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - very athletic

Main Adversary
Identity: - an entire race
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a little/some
How sensitive is this character?
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - very athletic

Setting
Earth setting: - during "Tolkien" (fairytime) times
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Style
Person? - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript
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