Watcher of the Dead: Book Four of Sword of Shadows
The fourth Sword of Shadows volume first synopsizes what has gone before, then jumps into the action. And action-packed is the word for this novel and series. The large cast of individuals and peoples, whose homelands, whether steppe, forest, or mountain, hold danger from ancient magic and current feuds, lives at a time of old truces breaking and sorcerous powers rising. Raif, a clan warrior exiled by treachery; Ash, a woman of power; Raina, widow of a murdered chief; and others continue their quest for safety and justice in a world coming apart. The story should certainly appeal to those who like fast-paced, visual action, especially if they enjoyed its predecessors. --Jay Freeman