The rich fantasy land of the Seven Kingdoms is a complex place. Magics exist, performed by those whose stones, or Embers, are believed to be remnants of one of the Stones of the Gods. The Holy Median Church wields tremendous power and its Inquisition ruthlessly hunts down witches. Savage Brack warriors roam the lands, enchanted alfs and horrific rraaks are feared throughout, and the complex politics of the nobles result in games of enormous complexity and risk. And young Esmeree navigates this world in the novel WITCH EMBER. A poor outcast, Esmeree has a powerful ember of her own. At first Esmeree works the streets of Cliffs Reach, relying on prostitution and thievery to survive. Soon, she rises in ability and attention: The Lady Andelliza, leader of the Black Embers, tutors her in the use of magic. But Esmeree's experiences soon draw her into other avenues of the world, from the deadly world of high politics to lands of magic, as Esmeree both rides the currents of fate and molds her destiny. Along the way, Esmeree has and loses several allies. Early friends include her numerous fellow thieves; the aloof Lady Andelliza, and Drake, the seductive Darkblood creature; and Myrrd, the old man who teaches her. There is also Hiisi, the cing warrior she is fated to kill; Maponos, the nearly divine boy who affects her deeply; Iall, her adopted daughter; and Lydlaw, the Pure Fool possessing both a carefree philosophy and deadly skills. Esmeree's most consistent companion is her ember, which develops its own mind and opinions as WITCH EMBER progresses. WITCH EMBER is a solid, entertaining novel. John Lawson creates a rich, vivid world complete with its own language. (There's a glossary at the end of the novel, but most words are comprehensible through context.) The characters are nicely developed, and the story flows well. Many of the ideas here are familiar to readers of fantasy, and Esmeree seems to experience every aspect of this created world. That said, WITCH EMBER makes for an enjoyable read, a nice addition to a fantasy collection.
Reviewed by James Lynch, Rant 'N Rave
© All Materials Copyright John Lawson 2006