Blood of Ambrose

February 9, 2009
Enge competently blends a compelling plot and unrelentingly grim prose in this somber fantasy debut. The heir to the Empire of Ontil is 12-year-old Lathmar, a terrified child recently orphaned by his own Protector and uncle, Lord Urdhven. His ancient and powerful relatives, controlling Ambrosia and morosely forbidding Morlock, offer their magical aid to reclaim his throne and defeat the Protector. Slowly growing to manhood, Lathmar struggles to assert himself as the emperor-to-be while craving his guardians' parental approval and longing to become more of a participant than an observer. Though the characters are more fascinating than lovable, Enge's precise and elegant language and some darkly harrowing scenes are sure to tug on readers' heartstrings. Legends frequently have predictable conclusions, but even with an unsurprising destination, this coming-of-age narrative makes for an engaging journey.

April 15, 2009
The unscrupulous Lord Urdhven stands as protector for his young nephew, King Lathmar VII, but plots to gain the throne for himself. Only Ambrosia Viviana, a woman accused of witchcraft, and her brother, the drunken renegade Morlock Ambrosius, stand between the young boy and death. Enge's fiction has appeared online and in the publications "Black Gate" and "Flashing Swords". His first novel pays homage to Arthurian legend but draws on his own visual acuity and storytelling skill. For most libraries.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.