Prophecy

July 3, 2000
A sequel to Haydon's acclaimed first novel, Rhapsody, this is a novel of modest virtues. Again following the adventures of Rhapsody (the Cymrian Namer) and her friends King Achmed of the Firbolg and the giant Grunthor, the narrative recounts their battles with the demonic F'dor. Although Grunthor is the Child of Earth to whom the title refers, most of the action revolves around Ashe, half of whose soul has been torn away by the F'dor and used to create the monstrous Rakshas. The Rakshas (which, to make things worse, looks exactly like Ashe) is going about killing innocent people and plotting to destabilize the power of local governments. After Rhapsody falls in love with Ashe, she sets out (with the help of Achmed and Grunthor) to kill the Rakshas and to end the F'dor's hold over Ashe. This will clear the way for Ashe to reunite the warring Cymrian factions by becoming Lord Cymrian. As they fight their way to this conclusion, Haydon's three heroes must also protect the Sleeping Child, a mystical creature who's likewise threatened by the F'dor--and Rhapsody must train herself to use her magic sword, which can link her to the element of fire. Although the characters are appealing and Haydon's world intriguing, things there are so complicated that they require an excessive amount of backstory--explanations of what happened in the previous volume and in Cymrian history. Although impressive, these explanations tend to appear at inopportune moments and break the adventure's pace. The romance between Ashe and Rhapsody is, however, charming, and the novel has enough magic, good fights and thrilling love scenes to make it a keeper.

June 15, 2000
The skysinger Rhapsody and her two Fir-Bolg companions seek to carve out a place for themselves in a new world even as their lives move inexorably toward the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. As momentous events take shape around the three heroes, other forces work hard to undermine their hope and bring the powers of evil closer to victory. Continuing the story begun in Rhapsody: Child of Blood (LJ 9/15/99), Haydon's epic saga of the endless battle between light and darkness resounds with the richness of ancient myths reworked into new forms. Highly recommended for most fantasy collections.

Copyright 2000 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2000
The second book of Haydon's epic high-fantasy trilogy is as strong and compelling as its predecessor, "Rhapsody: Child of Blood." Here the story's three heroes learn that they are the Three who are prophesied. Achmed the assassin is Child of Blood, the armed giant Grunthor is Child of Earth, and Rhapsody--namer, singer, healer, and possessor of the magic sword Daystar Clarion--is Child of the Sky. They alone can defeat the demon that plans to waken the primal wyrm that will devour Earth. More particularly in this volume, Grunthor's affinity with Earth itself and his ability to merge himself with rock and soil prove invaluable. And while Achmed and Grunthor explore the underground caverns, Rhapsody is off on her own quest, accompanied by the mysterious, cloaked Ashe, whom Achmed distrusts, to seek out the great dragon Elynsynosto, of whom she has dreamed. Once again, the action is exhilarating; and sometimes broad, sometimes wry humor leavens the story's horror. The addition of an affecting love story enhances the characterizations and helps explain events left hanging in "Rhapsody." As in high fantasy at its best, the sense of foreboding--in this case, primarily arising from Rhapsody's horrific nightmares--is palpable, the world building is convincing and consistent, the evildoers are truly wicked, and the battles are ferocious. Although some questions are resolved in "Prophecy," enthusiastic readers will be left eagerly awaiting the trilogy's conclusion in "Destiny: Child of the Sky." ((Reviewed May 15, 2000))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2000, American Library Association.)