The Fatal Child

November 1, 2009
Gr 10 Up-This final book in a trilogy that began with "The Cup of the World" (2004) and "The Widow and the King" (2005, both Random) centers on Ambrose, Prince Under the Sky, who was a boy in the second book. Now in his early 20s, he rules over a ragged court in the wastelands, meting out justice to those who voluntarily come before him. His ill-fated relationship with Atti, the spoiled princess who is heir to another throne, drives Ambrose to leave the desert and accept the position of ruler over the entire kingdom. The story is told in third person largely from the viewpoints of the flawed but brilliant Thomas Padry, advisor to the king, and the resilient and spirited Melissa, one of Atti's maids. The novel opens with an unflinching description of Padry's participation in the sacking of Atti's city and his rescue of the young girl. Grim and unsettling, the story will confuse even those teens familiar with the first two novels. Those who have not read them will be hopelessly lost. The pacing is choppy with long chapters of relatively little activity followed by fast-paced and sometimes unclear action. Melissa is the only likable character, and readers will look forward to the satisfying conclusion to her story line. At nearly 550 pages, though, only the most determined readers will slog through to the end."Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD"

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