Wind Rider's Oath

Bahzell Saga: 3

ISBN: 0-7434-8821-0 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com

Enjoyable, but rather conventional and sprawling middle volume full of fighting, politics and some mildly appealing characters.

Reviewed by David on July 03, 2004 (rev. 1)

Genre: Fantasy (High Fantasy)

Synopsis: This is a sequel to the previous Bahzell fantasies: Oath of Swords and War God's Own.

Bahzell Bahnakson of the Horse Stealer Clan is a Hradani prince—one of many. The squabbling Hradani—a humanoid race known for their rages and raids—are slowly leaving their barbarian past behind, thanks to a large extent to Bahzell's father—a crafty, savvy and ambitious Prince Bahnak.

In the meantime, Bahzell is the first unlikely embassador to the Kingdom of Sothoii. As one of Sothoii's traditional enemies, Bahzell is regarded with suspicion by most of Sothoii, and with contempt by the nobility. But Bahzell is representing only his father—but also Tomanāk, the god of war.

All this is a heavy responsibility. Luckily, Bahzell has good friends. As well as some truly powerful enemies.

Full Review: This fantasy, while not too long for an epic fantasy, seems wordy. Beside Bahzell, who is generally enjoyable is conventional character, there are multiple viewpoints, some with their own plots. There are politics, hints of future romantic developments, and battles. Unfortunately, most of the battles are towards the end, and the work-up to them is so long and predictable that the decisive fights have an anti-climactic feeling.

In all, a book wirthwhile for the reader's following the series, but not strong enough to provide much enjoyment on its own.

Overall: 5.5; Plot: 4.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 4;

ISBN: 0-7434-8821-0 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com