Noonshade

August 3, 2009
As the mercenary band the Raven and their mage and mundane allies continue their wartime trials (begun in 2009's Dawnthief
), yesterday's solution becomes today's problem. After banishing the Wytch Lords with the Dawnthief spell, the Raven realize they've ripped a hole in their dimension. They must piece together clues left by dimension-traveler Septern in the eastern lands before enemy dragons destroy them all. Meanwhile, the barbarian Wesmen's invasion of the eastern lands still rages. Individual voices stand out, though the action cuts back and forth among battles on land and in air, sieges, arcane rituals and quiet conversations of longtime companions. Despite RPG-style dialogue and fantasy standards like supercilious elves and imperious dragons, Barclay's novel arcana, such as a cadre of warriors with shared souls, are mostly enough to keep readers intrigued.

September 15, 2009
An apocalyptic spell, cast by members of the mercenary group called The Raven, has saved the world from one threat only to open it up to another. Barclay's sequel to "Dawnthief" serves not only as the transitional "middle" book of a fantasy epic trilogy but also delivers vivid battle scenes, dragons that live up to their fearsome image, and characters that are both colorful and believable. VERDICT A perfect choice for readers who miss Glen Cook's tales of the Black Company.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.