Shadow Gate

March 31, 2008
In this many-layered second installment in the Crossroads fantasy series (after 2007's Spirit Gate), Marit, an eagle-riding reeve, awakens as a spirit three years after her death and slowly realizes she's become one of the nine Guardians, protectors of justice who wield god-given powers. Soon Marit discovers that some of her fellow Guardians lead forces plaguing the land, while others hide or resist. Meanwhile, among the living, war rewrites the social order, and those of different religions and homelands make common cause. Elliott follows Qin soldier Anji and his troubled, lonely wife, Mai; Marit's former lover, reeve marshal Joss; and Kirya, a tribal warrior who sells herself into slavery to protect her brother. Each must balance cultural imperatives with a broader view of justice, and survival with mercy. The cosmology and politics may confuse newcomers, but the human dilemmas grip the reader right through to the abrupt final cliffhanger.

Starred review from April 15, 2008
The world of the Hundred have relied on its eagle-borne reeves for protection since the departure of the once all-powerful Guardians. Now, however, a rogue Guardian has arisen to carve a path of bloodshed and cruelty throughout the realm. When Guardian-led marauders murder her eagle and leave her for dead, the young reeve Marit finds a winged horse to ride as she sets out to discover the secret behind the Guardians' corruption and to learn how she has mysteriously survived her own murder. In this follow-up to "Spirit Gate", the author of the "Crown of Stars" series demonstrates once again her talent for large-scale storytelling, encompassing both the fate of nations and the destinies of individuals. A strong addition to most fantasy collections.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.