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Review Summaries
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Roc, June 2002, 6.99, 352 pp.
ISBN 0451458842
In the kingdom of Moren, the capital city of Morenia is almost burnt to the ground by a fire whose origins are shrouded in mystery. King Hal, once thought daft by his own people, wants to rebuild the city but his coffers are practically bare. The people who helped put the fire out are suffering and dying from a plague known as firelung.
When the disease spreads to other castes and classes, Hal borrows money from the church at usury rates. To pay the loan off on time, Hal accedes to his councilors' wishes that he marry. He courts Princess Berylina of Liantine and begs Rani Trader to accompany him to negotiate on his behalf. She agrees even though she wants Hal to commit to rebuilding the Glasswright's Guild that his father dismantled. When they arrive in Liantine, their well thought out plans fall apart. Rani negotiates harder than she has ever done before to save her kingdom and Hal's throne.
This is the third Rani Trader book and it is the best book in the series. The protagonist has grown into a mature woman who realizes there is no such thing as instant gratification. Her friendship with the king is based on loyalty, honor and trust even when she doesn't agree with him. The bond is so strong no outsider can break it. The king's concern for his people and the sacrifices he is willing to make to alleviate their suffering is a beautiful thing to behold. Mindy j. Klasky has written a juicy epic fantasy that will appeal to fans of Mercedes Lackey.
Harriet Klausner
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Harriet Klausner, Resident Mindy J. Klasky Scholar
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Overall Review
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Plot
Composition of Book Descript. of chases or violence - 10% planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 60% Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20% Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 10%
Tone of book
- suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- fantasy world/fantasy past
Explore/1st contact/ enviro story
Yes
Plotlets:
- fighting a disease/illness affecting everyone
Romance
Yes
Romance plotlets:
- marriage of convenience making real love
Political power play
Yes
Political plotlets
- saving govt/kingdom from external overthrow
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Main Character
Identity:
- Female
Profession/status:
- champion of justice
Age:
- 20's-30's
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Strong but gentle sense of humor
Intelligence
- Very much smarter than other characters
Physique
- very athletic
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 40's-50's
Profession/status:
- Prince/Nobleman/King
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character?
- mean, arrogant
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Very much smarter than 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?
- no torture/death
How much dialogue?
- roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
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