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| Review Summary |
This is the second book in the saga of the Exiles series, which describes the adventures of the second half of a group of exiles from a future galactic society who have escaped into earth's past.
The group of exiles is an unusual one. It includes Elizabeth, who fled the Galactic milieu having lost her mind powers in an accident...only to find them restored once in irreversible exile. Aiken is a prankster who discovers thanks to the Tanu mind enhancing Torcs that he has steadily growing mind powers.
The party is taken to the capital Muriah where Elizabeth falls in with Brede. Brede is of a different alien race and sees herself as guardian of the Tanu, and Elizabeth with her extraordinary far sensing powers as her successor. Aiken falls under the wing of Mayvar Kingmaker, seeking a worthy successor to the aging elected monarch of the Tanu, Thagdal.
Nodonn the existing Tanu champion and heir presumptive sees his position threatened and sets about organizing a revolt against the existing social order, and wholesale slaughter of all humans. Bryan the sociologist finds that Tanu society is already hopelessly dependant on its human slaves and adoptees beyond any hope of managing without them. Nodonn ploughs on regardless in his determination to be rid of humans. Mayvar and Aiken maneuver with the peace faction to generate support for Aiken as the next king of a united human/Tanu kingdom.
Matters come to a head as the grand combat approaches, This is an annual ceremonial battle between Tanu and Firvulag, who are a group of physically different humanoids yet belonging to the same race. Firvulag are generally weaker though more numerous, but with weaker natural mind powers not dependant on Torc amplifiers. Aiken does well in the combats and is proclaimed as heir elect. Nodonn prepares to fight using the sword, an ancient ceremonial laser cannon.
Traditionally his oponent would have used a similar weapon the spear, but this is in the hands of human rebels who are preparing an attack on Muria. Felice is captured and tortured by the kings interrogator, an ally of Nodonn. She escapes with the aid of Brede and Elizabeth, but driven insane by her experience vows revenge. She seizes a golden Torc, and with mind powers expanded by her torture Blasts a hole in the land barrier sealing the empty Mediterranean Basin from the atlantic ocean.
As Aiken and Nodonn prepare for battle, The sea rushes onwards towards the great silver battle plain where the tanu and Firvulag races are assembled.
David Pearce, Resident Scholar
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| Detailed literary breakdown of The Golden Torc |
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Composition of Book
Descript. of chases or violence - 10%
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30%
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20%
Tone of book
- suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- science fiction story
Political power play
Yes
Political plotlets
- factions fight within govt for control
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- accused criminal
Age:
- 20's-30's
Has magical/special powers?
Yes
Magical/mental powers of main character:
- can change shapes
- mind reading
- mind control
- can fly
- teleportation
- Invisibility
How sensitive is this character?
- hard edged
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- healthy but a geeky weakling
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- long-lived adults
Profession/status:
- Prince/Nobleman/King
Has magical powers?
Yes
Magical/mental powers of main antagonist:
- fire/thunder/weather cntrl
- telekinesis
- mind reading
- super strength
- can fly
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- a little/some
How sensitive is this character?
- mean, arrogant
Sense of humor
- Cynical sense of humor
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- bulging muscles
Setting
Terrain
- Jungle
Takes place on Earth?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- moderately detailed references to deaths
scientific jargon? (SF only)
- some scientific explanation
Sex in book?
Yes
What kind of sex:
- descript of touching personal anatomy
How much dialogue?
- mostly dialog
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Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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