I loved this book. Lyrical writing and emotional involvement with interesting characters. A fascinating world too! It ended much too soon.
Time has passed since the events of 'Watchtower', and Van's groups of dance performers/martial artists, known as chearis, have spread throughout the nation of Arun, becoming respected as bringers of peace and balance, although already their inception and history are passing into legend, details forgotten.
Kerris, a young man crippled as a child in a violent raid, is suddenly picked up by the older cheari brother that he never knew, but whom he has always had a confusing and intimate mental bond with. Brought from the only house he can remember into a group that has many mental talents, he realizes that he may have more options than just that of being a scribe. He is trying to figure out what to do, both about his future and his feelings for his brother, when the chearis' village is overrrun by raiders of the same ethnicity as those that crippled him years ago. However, these are outlaws, exiled for the same mental gifts that the chearis share.
This book does a good job of portraying the classic 'talents' such as telekinesis, telepathy, etc, in a believable way, and in portraying a society without taboos which are deeply ingrained in ours in an interesting, non-condemning way.
Kerris, a young man crippled as a child in a violent raid, is suddenly picked up by the older cheari brother that he never knew, but whom he has always had a confusing and intimate mental bond with. Brought from the only house he can remember into a group that has many mental talents, he realizes that he may have more options than just that of being a scribe. He is trying to figure out what to do, both about his future and his feelings for his brother, when the chearis' village is overrrun by raiders of the same ethnicity as those that crippled him years ago. However, these are outlaws, exiled for the same mental gifts that the chearis share.
This book does a good job of portraying the classic 'talents' such as telekinesis, telepathy, etc, in a believable way, and in portraying a society without taboos which are deeply ingrained in ours in an interesting, non-condemning way.
This is a wonderful book. A completely different fantasy world, of dancers and messengers and family, whether born or found. Absolutely great stuff!
I felt the characters were shallow and the romance was sickening because it was so sappy and didn't have nearly as much conflict as it should have.
Not recommended
Not recommended
The story of Timothy, a one-armed inseer, and how he learned he was not a freak. A good story that moved right along. I really enjoyed it.
