Review: Outstanding
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 2, 2013
I loved this author's first book `Protector' so I snapped up volume 2 of this series as soon as it became available. If possible, this book is even better than the first. At the beginning, we learn Issa's true identity, but she can't remember her past or her real nature while here in the Lesser World. We also find out about her `Forever-Husband' - but who is he exactly?In part 1, I became attached to the young protagonists Issa and Kae. I spent most of part 2 worrying about what would happen to them. I don't give spoilers, so you'll have to read to find out. I will just say that the mystery and tension kept me reading all day long.Ms. Smythe's ability to create characters fascinates me. All of them, not just Issa and Kae, are fully formed multi-dimensional people. Even many of those among the seemingly bad characters have good qualities, and the apparent good guys really aren't so good. After all, they plan to use Issa in a very harsh way. In fact, are there any true heroes other than Kae? Or for that matter, any real villains except High Priest Rhaldan?The combination of characters is marvelous, and the richness of the world the author has created is fantastic.The number of superlatives I have used in this review may make some skeptics think I am a relative or friend of the author's. I am not. I'm just someone who loves this sub-genre of fantasies and who is (obviously) impressed with this author's talent. Incidentally, the ending left me eagerly anticipating the next book in this series.