Surrender None, The Legacy of Gird By Elizabeth Moon

In a land far, far away, evil overlords trample on the rights and lives of the poor peasants. Oddly enough the peasants take severe umbrage to this and revolt. This book details the causes of the rebellion, sets up a protagonist to lead the rebellion and details the successes and failures of said rebellion. Unusual in this genre is the awareness that something has to fill the void if the government is thrown down. The detailing of what to do and how to do it fills the pages. The angst suffered by Gird and his willingness to suffer for his people make up the focus of the story. Moon has the ability to define protagonists clearly, illustrating not only their strengths but their weaknesses. Her characterizations are detailed, believable and enjoyable. I found the ending unsettling and felt she could have closed this book with a bit more detail. Regardless, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to starting the sequel, “Liar’s Oath”.

Body of work of Elizabeth Moon

Review: http://www.hoh.se/fantasyfinder/moon1.html

Web site: http://www.elizabethmoon.com/

The Lion of Far Side by John Dalmas

A suspiciously long lived woman disappears from her new husband’s bed. This is a saga of his quest as he crosses an inter-dimensional rift to secure her return.

The story was thought provoking. There are presently theoretical physics that suggest that multiple earths may exist so the plot isn’t as far fetched as it might have been a few years ago. I enjoyed the characterizations. The book transitioned back and forth from the two main characters and how they changed throughout their experiences. Their personal growth based on adversity was very satisfying. Macurdy’s transition from farmer to warrior was very dramatic. The setting being a somewhat distorted reflection of Earth was thusly somewhat believable. I find Dalmas’s work very entertaining. I thought this was quite a bit different than the Regiment series but vaguely familiar as well.

I recommend this book and the Regiment series as well. I will be tracking down the two ensuing books that make up this trilogy.

Body of work of John Dalmas

Review: Couldn’t find one.

Web site: http://www.sfwa.org/members/dalmas/

The Ring by Deborah Chester

All the necessary facets of fantasy are in place in “The Ring”. Dwarves, trolls, knights, magic armor and swords, evil villains and anti-heroes are abundant. The main protagonist is young, foolish and prone to stupid mistakes. Occasionally he is so inept that he makes me crazy. In spite of that you have a classic clash between good and evil. Prejudice and naiveté don’t prevent the young partial elf (eld) from pursuing his goals in spite of wide spread death around him. His future bride (my supposition) faces her own adversities with less than stellar composure. Chester’s characterizations have the fragility of believable human beings. I am enjoying the trilogy and am in the middle of the final book. I recommend it.

Body of work of Deborah Chester

Review: http://www.fantasyfreaks.org/reviews/alleandra/src.html

Web Site: http://www.deborahchester.com/about.html

The Reluctant King by L. Sprague De Camp

This book contains three complete novels, “The Goblin Tower”, “The Clocks of Iraz” and “The Unbeheaded King”. De Camp is in the old school of science fiction. He writes classic fantasy and if you have never read any of his stories you really must. Please do not miss the “Complete Enchanter” even if you don’t try and dig this particular book up, it is one of my all time favorites. De Camp is somewhat responsible for the entire genre of Heroic Fantasy.

“The term heroic fantasy . . . refers to a sub-genre of fantastic literature which chronicles the tales of heroes and their conquests in imaginary lands. Heroic fantasy emphasizes the conflict between good and evil, and often casts a reluctant protagonist (human or hobbit) in the role of champion. Though he may not always be saintly, the hero's strength, wit, and resourcefulness help him triumph over evil forces. The background for that struggle is almost always an exotic one, the settings are sometimes as important as their mythopoetic narratives. Often confused with sword and sorcery, weird fantasy, science fiction or historical romance, heroic fantasy is as old as the first stories told (and written down) about heroes and their legendary deeds.” From John Flynn, qtd. In Josep Parache, Howardiana #1 (Robert-E-Howard: Electronic Amateur Press Association, 2001)

Body of work of L. Sprague De Camp