The Last Paladin

January 19, 2009
Concluding the fantasy trilogy begun in The Serpent and the Rose
(2007) and The Golden Rose
(2008), Averil, now queen of Lys, returns to claim her throne and heal the land. Though the king who sought to free the chaos-bringing Serpent is dead, the soulless armies he raised still roam. Averil must seek the sorcerer who commands them and assert her authority as even her most loyal defenders seek to keep her far from the action. Meanwhile, her soul mate and forbidden love, Squire Gereint, makes an unsettling discovery that explains his unusual magical talents. Bryan raises the stakes without descending into melodrama, highlighting the heroism of patience and making the Serpent more complicated than a standard Dark Lord. The effect is spoiled by a too-pat, shallow ending that rings false against the complex, nuanced story.

March 15, 2009
The conclusion of the trilogy begun in The Serpent and the Rose (2007) opens with both protagonists in great danger. Averil is queen of Lys, much of which was destroyed in the battle that brought down her uncle, whose most powerful allies survive, some in Averils train. Geraint, a mage of growing powers, is also in her train but doesnt know what can defeat the growing power of the Serpent. Averil concludes that traditional combat wont save Lys. Ending with a stirring battle and so many changes that more tales of Queen Averil are likely, the yarn should please romance and fantasy fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)