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Review Summaries
"Hal is the son of a tyrannical ruler, the end product of a dynasty that took the land by force seven generations ago. He discovers morals in himself which prevent him from following the tradition of rule by force. After being tortured, he sets out to cross the kingdom in search of forces to aid him in ruling justly when he ascends the throne, because most of the lords are cruel and would overthrow him if they learned of his policies. On his journey, he meets another youth named Alan, who later turns out to be his half-brother. As they quest for aid, they each meet their future wife, but both leave their loves behind to continue in their travels. While the evil old king dies of disease, Hal moves in to take the reins of power. As the bloody culmination, Hal fights with his loyal forces against the corrupt lordlings who try to take the throne for themselves. Finally, after the battle is won and after the bodies are buried, Hal and Alan are both crowned brother-kings.
There is also a sub-plot running throughout the book about elves, normally immortal, who give their lives for justice or love. Alan's queen was immortal until she married him, thereby becoming mortal."
Toshi, Resident Nancy Springer Scholar
"Alan has escaped from the tower of Iscovar where his father had kept him imprisoned for years. He meets up with Hal and the two quickly become friends and then blood brothers. They vow to overthrow Alan's father, a tyrant who rules by punishment and torture. The two boys travel in search of allies and reach Lord Pelys whose daughter Rosemary is smitten with Hal. They then venture to the East where they discover the Elvish settlement. It is here that Hal learns that he is half Elf and Alan falls for a beautiful Elf Lysse. They return to Iscovar to overthrow Alan's father and then must muster their forces to turn back all challengers to power. The two then find that they are real brothers and their rule as joint kings fulfils the prophecy set up in the White Hart. The two rulers who join the two great families, the Dragon Kings of Lyrdion and the High Kings of Eburacon."
Neil Morey, Resident Nancy Springer Scholar
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Overall Review
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Plot
Composition of Book Descript. of chases or violence - 15% planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 25% Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40% Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20%
Tone of book
- very upbeat
- sensitive (sigh....)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- fantasy world/fantasy past
Coming of age
Yes
Youngster becomes
- ruler
Romance
Yes
Political power play
Yes
Political plotlets
- overthrowing govt/kingdom
Inner Struggle
Yes
Plotlet:
- search for identity/new understanding
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- warrior/knight
Age:
- a teen
- 20's-30's
Has magical/special powers?
Yes
Magical/mental powers of main character:
- can talk to animals
- can see into the future
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
- average physique
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 60's-90's
Profession/status:
- Prince/Nobleman/King
Eccentric:
Yes
- obsessed
- emotionally unstable
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- a little/some
How sensitive is this character?
- mean, arrogant
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- physically sick
Setting
Terrain
- Water
- Mountains
- Forests
A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body:
- humans in a primitive/fantasy society
Planet outside solar system?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- moderately detailed references to deaths
Sex in book?
Yes
What kind of sex:
- vague references only
- descript of kissing
How much dialogue?
- significantly more descript than dialog
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