Guardians of the Keep

September 1, 2004
This sequel to " Son of Avonar" [BKL F 15 04] opens with Lady Seriana returning to the family home with news of her brother's death, just after learning that Karon, her husband, executed 10 years ago for sorcery, has been restored to life but doesn't remember her or his past, which makes for a gripping opening. While a sorcerer helps Karon regain his memories, Seriana must deal with a pregnant sister-in-law and a nephew whose behavior is strange, to say the least, and threatening to become dangerous. When the nephew is abducted, Seriana learns another secret and must battle the sorcerers of Zhev'Na before they destroy the boy and her lands. Fairly conventionally plotted, Berg's latest shows her narrative technique intact enough to keep one turning pages; meanwhile, the characterizations are altogether superior.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)