 |
Erlender is a necromancer in pursuit of elusive prey, a former army man named Jason Archer. Erlender is a brute who will blaze a trail of destruction in corralling him. Jason is a capable and efficient individual who carries out his tasks well. Iudgual, aka Grandmother, bears this in mind when she asks Jason to deliver an artifact for her. He sets out for Smoky Springs to exchange a package. His payment will allow him to harness his power: conjuring fire. During his travels, Jason meets a she-wolf named Akela, a chance encounter that leads him to discover he possesses a second skin that allows him to transform into a dragon named Xavier. The journey to Smoky Springs allows Jason to explore and access more of his core magic, which he may well need when he comes up against Erlender, who is two steps behind.
In the kingdom of Rutendo, magic and shapeshifting are passed down through bloodlines, and the realization of these abilities drives Jason's character arc in this compelling fantasy adventure. Jason is the dutiful soldier who never shirks his responsibilities and is steadfastly selfless. Whether he is aiding Iudgual as she travels through town incognito or freeing someone held captive by providing them agency, Jason is a captivating figure throughout the story. In contrast, his pursuer, Erlender, is a malevolent force who will do whatever it takes to capture Jason, whether through bribery or lethal means. The cat-and-mouse game is intriguing, but so is the potential of Jason's abilities. The plot thickens and intensifies as a head-to-head becomes inevitable and incendiary. This is a thrilling and dynamic novel from start to conclusion.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review