Twist of the Blade

August 15, 2014
The sequel to The Song of the Sword (2014) improves on its foundation. Ariane Forsythe is changing. She can feel the recently claimed shard of Excalibur, the legendary sword of King Arthur, infecting her thoughts and feelings with its cold desire to kill. It's this drive to violence that leads to Ariane's vigorous defense of herself against school bullies landing said bullies in the hospital. Wally Knight, Ariane's friend and partner in her quest to reclaim the shards of Excalibur, is shocked when Ariane doesn't visit him when he is hospitalized after an accident and is further horrified to learn Ariane's powers have hospitalized his sister, one of the bullies. Wally's discomfort with Ariane's recent behavior is further deepened when Rex Major (Merlin, in his contemporary guise) encourages Wally to question the motives of the Lady of the Lake, who tasked Ariane and Wally with the quest. When Ariane discovers new powers, she uses them to travel to the location of the next shard-but her unpredictable actions there lead to danger and distrust. Willett realistically explores the difficulties Ariane and Wally face and paints Rex Major in such a light that readers may be unsure as to whether he is a master manipulator or misunderstood hero.Engrossing and more nuanced than its predecessor. (Fantasy. 12-16)

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