Law of the Broken Earth

October 11, 2010
This vivid, satisfying conclusion to Neumeier's Griffin Mage trilogy introduces Mienthe, a neglected girl raised by a gardener and indifferent relatives until she's rescued by her cousin Lord Bartaud (familiar from June 2010's Land of the Burning Sands). Then Bartaud's griffin mage friend Kairaithin brings bad news: the Wall between the fiery griffin lands and the human kingdoms is cracking. The engaging spy Tan is kidnapped by stock villain Istierinan, who threatens him with torture and death, while Mienthe must discover her own talents and inner strength. Mienthe is well drawn and convincingly uneasy about her sudden access to magic, and most of the conflicting characters are sympathetic. Most compelling is the world and its magical laws, which invite further related stories.