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yuck1209 's review for:
Faery Lands Forlorn
by Dave Duncan
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Following the events of Book 1, Inos and Rap tumbled through Inisso’s magic casement - only to find themselves on opposite ends of Pandemia! Inos’ bid to ascend as queen of Krasnegar fell flat on its face, her would-be subjects skeptical of her ability to rule after her near-disastrous marriage to the deceptive charmer, Andor. And, of course, because she’s a girl. Her one loyal subject, Rap, was already eyed with suspicion given his occult powers before he abruptly stole the king’s horses and snuck away one night.
FLF basically runs through these two separate plot threads: Inos’ attempts to secure allies while stranded in Zark, where the culture and norms (very loosely analogous to the Middle East) are about as far removed from the Impire’s as you’d expect; and Rap’s attempted journey to find his way back to Inos’ side, no matter the obstacle. Unfortunately for him, this list expands to untrustworthy travel companions, abduction from jotunn raiders, an island of cannibals, and manipulation by the four wardens.
I didn’t really write much about the magic system last time, which is definitely one of the more unique features of AMoHW. What we know so far as of Book 2 is that magic in Pandemia manifests through words of power: one word makes a genius that enhances a person’s natural knack or skill; two makes an adept, who can basically excel at anything with little practice; three makes a mage; and four words makes a sorcerer.
Words have inherent power, which is diluted the more a word is shared (i.e., a word shared across four people may be less potent than one which is known by a single person); consequently, those seeking power are incentivized to kill anyone else who happens to know their word. Mysteriously, words almost sound like gibberish or sarcasm odd phrases that resist being spoken - except when the holder is near death.
Lastly, it seems that individuals may have their own inherent magical potential or ability. Rap, as an example, appears naturally “talented” at magic, demonstrating stronger powers than the average person with but one word. This is all revealed over the course of Books 1 & 2 as hard-won information for our young protagonists who are ill-equipped for the geopolitical conflict that faces Krasnegar. It’s a neat bit of world-building that shapes the plot.
Overall another solid read, though will note some of the gender and racial dynamics feel a bit dated.
FLF basically runs through these two separate plot threads: Inos’ attempts to secure allies while stranded in Zark, where the culture and norms (very loosely analogous to the Middle East) are about as far removed from the Impire’s as you’d expect; and Rap’s attempted journey to find his way back to Inos’ side, no matter the obstacle. Unfortunately for him, this list expands to untrustworthy travel companions, abduction from jotunn raiders, an island of cannibals, and manipulation by the four wardens.
I didn’t really write much about the magic system last time, which is definitely one of the more unique features of AMoHW. What we know so far as of Book 2 is that magic in Pandemia manifests through words of power: one word makes a genius that enhances a person’s natural knack or skill; two makes an adept, who can basically excel at anything with little practice; three makes a mage; and four words makes a sorcerer.
Words have inherent power, which is diluted the more a word is shared (i.e., a word shared across four people may be less potent than one which is known by a single person); consequently, those seeking power are incentivized to kill anyone else who happens to know their word. Mysteriously, words almost sound like gibberish or sarcasm odd phrases that resist being spoken - except when the holder is near death.
Lastly, it seems that individuals may have their own inherent magical potential or ability. Rap, as an example, appears naturally “talented” at magic, demonstrating stronger powers than the average person with but one word. This is all revealed over the course of Books 1 & 2 as hard-won information for our young protagonists who are ill-equipped for the geopolitical conflict that faces Krasnegar. It’s a neat bit of world-building that shapes the plot.
Overall another solid read, though will note some of the gender and racial dynamics feel a bit dated.