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Andre Norton & Sasha Miller
Tor, Jun 2001, 23.95, 320 pp.
ISBN: 031287379
In the Kingdom of Rendel, the King recently died with his son succeeding him to the throne. The new monarch is weak, hedonistic, and spiteful as he abuses his power while keeping in check the real ruler, the Dowager Queen Ysa. Although she holds the reigns of power, Ysa knows that her husband's illegitimate daughter Ashlen remains a threat to her rule.
The nobles despise Florian or just want more power. They see Ashlen as a rallying point to cause trouble for Florian. The new king must agree with that assessment because he has his half-sister abducted, but Obern, son of the Sea Rovers, rescues her. Ashlen marries Obern, but that relationship is short lived as destiny has other plans for her in the upcoming war of the North.
The second book in this four novel series lays the groundwork with dangling threads for what will follow yet remains a stand-alone tale. This romantic fantasy shows that Andre Norton retains her magic while co-author Sasha Miller shows her strong talent too. KNIGHT OR KNAVE is a powerful fantasy that imparts much joy to genre fans.
Harriet Klausner
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Harriet Klausner, Resident Andre Norton and Sasha Miller Scholar
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Overall Review
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Plot
Tone of book
- very upbeat
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- fantasy world/fantasy past
Coming of age
Yes
Youngster becomes
- guardian of justice
- an adult (general)
Romance
Yes
Romance plotlets:
- destined love (dream or prediction)
Mental/magical powers focus
Yes
magical powers:
- good magical powers hunting non/weaker magical(s) (fantasy)
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Main Character
Identity:
- Female
Profession/status:
- Prince/Nobleman/King
Age:
- a teen
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Strong but gentle sense of humor
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- average physique
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Female
Age:
- 40's-50's
Profession/status:
- Prince/Nobleman/King
Has magical powers?
Yes
Magical/mental powers of main antagonist:
- can see into the future
- can cast all sorts of spells
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- an above average amount
How sensitive is this character?
- hard edged
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- average physique
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 descript than dialog
