THE SUMMER PALACE

Author: Lawrence Watt-Evans ISBN: 9780765310286 6/2008 FANTASY Publisher: TOR

All of the world is kept in a delicate balance under the supervision of the Wizard Lord. It is his duty to govern lightly and protect his domain…but if he should stray from the way of the just then it is up to the Chosen to intercede. The Chosen are the Leader, the Seer, the Swordsman, the Beauty, the Thief, the Scholar, the Archer, and the Speaker, magically infused mortal individuals who for the term of their service have only one function—to remove an errant Wizard Lord. But the new Wizard Lord has now changed the playing field by neutralizing all magic in his domain (both his own and that of the Chosen) and has successfully killed and/or blocked his adversaries and their challenges to his omnipotence. Sword (now on the run) must work alone to restore order to their fair land and unravel the mystery of the Ninth Talisman—which might be the salvation or downfall of all that is good in their well ordered land.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE SUMMER PALACE is the third volume in a fantasy trilogy collectively known as the Annals of the Chosen. I have not read the first two books, THE WIZARD LORD and THE NINTH TALISMAN. Although I enjoyed THE SUMMER PALACE I definitely think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the other stories first. There were times when I felt a little bit lost, and I believe the answers to the questions in my mind are probably somewhere in the first two volumes.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading THE SUMMER PALACE and will definitely look for more by this author. Mr. Watt-Evans has a writing style that pulls a reader instantly into the action... even if the action involves a land like no other, with Dark Lords, rogue wizards and The Chosen. Of course The Chosen wear the white hats, and get to do all the good stuff!

THE SUMMER PALACE is a quick read that gave me all the escapist moments I hoped it would. I cheered for the good guys, was fearful when things looked bleakest and felt relief when... well, I shouldn't give any of that away, should I? Let's just say that if you're looking for an engaging premise, larger-than-life heroes and lots of action, THE SUMMER PALACE might be a good choice. But I do recommend reading the first two books in this trilogy first; I can only imagine it makes the reading of this third installment even more interesting. Nicely done!

Kay James