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Review #3467 - Dated: 14th of December, 2009 Author: anistasya |
Demitra Ligea was stolen from her home as a child and then sent back, many years later, to destroy them. Unfortunately for her captors, things didn't exactly go according to plan and now, in book two, Ligea is looking for revenge - and her unborn baby is along for the ride.
The second instalment of the Mirage Makers trilogy focuses on Ligea's rise to power and the gathering of her army to mount a huge rebellion against the dictator of Tyr. It is a very personal journey, filled with self-doubt, determination and a good sprinkling of very cool magic.
After Arrant's birth, the narrative shifts to include the young boy and we begin to see a very different side of Ligea, through her sons eyes. His connection to his half brother is probably my favourite thing about this series. Tarran is joyful, innocent and also, somehow, very old and wise. As the reader, you completely understand what Arrant is going through, especially with his jealousy over his mother's 'new' lover and when his decisions lead to disaster, it is hard to blame him as much as he blames himself.
I was impressed by the scope and weight of this fantasy. Glenda Larke has built a solid world and populated it with real people I both believed in and cared about. The Shadow of Tyr is both an excellent second instalment and a thrilling prologue to what will, no doubt, be a rather dramatic conclusion in Book 3: Song of the Shiver Barrens.
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