Review: Nothing like a bit of sage...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 21, 2009
I have a hard time reading on-line for enjoyment and I don't own one of those portable readers yet.  That's to explain why it took me quite a long time to read this volume.Once I did get to reading, I found this book virtually hard to put down.  Sage is a wonderful fantasy kingdom described for the reader by the main character. Demetria is a plant wizard with the ability to control and speak to plant life, which does tend to make them grow very well.  Her husband, Ward, is a dungeon master who can control stone.All of the inhabitants of Sage have some type of magical affinity, whether to plants, stone, animals, and a variety of other talents.The Rats who live in a neighboring kingdom, however, are not amiable with the humans of Sage.  Therein lies much of the conflict in these stories. In the first tale, the Rats have sent a plague of rotten mold into Sage.  Who better to fight this menace than Demetria, the master gardener? With great personal sacrifice, Demetria, assisted by other wizards, fights off the slime threatening her land.In the second story, Demetria and Ward must rescue their son from the Rat Kingdom. They get some surprising help from those believed to be the guilty parties.Okay, I'm writing this review before I've read the third tale, however, I will absolutely do so and know I will enjoy the heck out of it.  I've become a Demetria fan.  I look forward to seeing more tales from the land of Sage.  But, Maria, let's get this book in print so I can take it to bed with me.  Now, that's where I can read for enjoyment.One last note for Maria: Fifty-five is NOT old!