Helpful Score: 1
A sequel to "God Stalk" and "Dark of the Moon," "Seeker's Mask" is definitely the best of the three - one can definitely see Hodgell really finding her stride, and moving ahead with both characterization and plot.
At the outset of this book, Jame has finally found her brother, Torisen, but unfortunately, he really doesnt know what to do with her. Having grown up partly in the sinister realm of Perimal Darkling and then as apprentice thief and tavern dancer, Jame is far from the typical meek and obedient highborn Kencyr lady. Regardless, Tori has her escorted to the womens quarters and tries to forget about her. Unfortunately, not only does Jame not fit in socially, the womens quarters are also home to her brothers consort, noblewoman of an enemy house. But the jealous and bitter Kallistyne may be one of the more minor dangers awaiting Jame, as old blood feuds awaken. Soon Jame is on the run, in a danger-filled quest of self-discovery and family reconciliation, where, of course, the fate of worlds may hang in the balance.
At the outset of this book, Jame has finally found her brother, Torisen, but unfortunately, he really doesnt know what to do with her. Having grown up partly in the sinister realm of Perimal Darkling and then as apprentice thief and tavern dancer, Jame is far from the typical meek and obedient highborn Kencyr lady. Regardless, Tori has her escorted to the womens quarters and tries to forget about her. Unfortunately, not only does Jame not fit in socially, the womens quarters are also home to her brothers consort, noblewoman of an enemy house. But the jealous and bitter Kallistyne may be one of the more minor dangers awaiting Jame, as old blood feuds awaken. Soon Jame is on the run, in a danger-filled quest of self-discovery and family reconciliation, where, of course, the fate of worlds may hang in the balance.
Helpful Score: 1
This one improved on re-reading. The first time I read it, I felt let down and rushed. Now, I appreciate it more.
The underlying sense of the absurd is there (in Caineron's fate, the Summer's Eve climax and the barge down the Silver). But there is growth, in the characters and the world. Tori and Jame feel more, more... solid? Its the best I can come up with. Both of them feel loyalty and honor and give it as much as they can. The supporting cast grows with this volume as well. You really need the character list at the front of the book (and then some).
The view of the adopted Kencyrath homeland of the Riverlands is worth it. To see Gothregor, the Women's World, the Priest's College and the Scrollsman's College was fun. I wish we got more than a glimpse at the Priest's College though. The weirdingstrom (space warping mist) makes a great deus ex machina too.
I didn't like the odd mashup feeling I got, but the transition from Gothregor to the River Road was smoother than I remember. I also don't care for the apparent willful blindness of the Kencyrath nobility, but it rings true and very human.
The underlying sense of the absurd is there (in Caineron's fate, the Summer's Eve climax and the barge down the Silver). But there is growth, in the characters and the world. Tori and Jame feel more, more... solid? Its the best I can come up with. Both of them feel loyalty and honor and give it as much as they can. The supporting cast grows with this volume as well. You really need the character list at the front of the book (and then some).
The view of the adopted Kencyrath homeland of the Riverlands is worth it. To see Gothregor, the Women's World, the Priest's College and the Scrollsman's College was fun. I wish we got more than a glimpse at the Priest's College though. The weirdingstrom (space warping mist) makes a great deus ex machina too.
I didn't like the odd mashup feeling I got, but the transition from Gothregor to the River Road was smoother than I remember. I also don't care for the apparent willful blindness of the Kencyrath nobility, but it rings true and very human.
