The Vacant Throne

October 29, 2007
The solid third Throne of Amenkor novel (after 2006’s The Cracked Throne
) delivers plenty of action and intrigue. Varis, the ruling Mistress of Amenkor, struggles to rebuild Amenkor’s defenses and economy after a devastating attack by the seafaring Chorl. Varis was only able to save Amenkor by destroying the Skewed Throne, Amenkor’s ancient seat of protective power, and now must rely on her own inner resources. Meanwhile, her mentor, Erick, tortured by the Chorl, lies near death. The arrival of a ship from the southern port city of Venitte brings the hope of alliance, especially if Varis can locate the Stone Throne, built to protect Venitte, but mysteriously lost centuries earlier. The hope that a lord in Venitte may be able to heal Erick pushes Varis to travel there, even as Chorl forces are on the move at sea and on land. Palmatier’s intriguing characters and complex setting continue to entertain in this deservedly successful fantasy series.

January 15, 2008
Brought up from the slums to rule as Mistress of the Skewed Throne of Amenkor, Varis has seen her city through desperate times. Now Amenkor suffers from an invasion by the foreign Chorl, whose attacks damage the Skewed Throne, the source of the city's power. Varis realizes that Amenkor's only hope lies in the uncertain cooperation of her sister city Venitte, where a twin throne lies at its center. Bringing to a conclusion the events of "The Skewed Throne" and "The Cracked Throne", Palmatier rounds out a fully-realized fantasy of panoramic battle and intense personal conflict. Strong, memorable characters and an intriguing world background make this a good addition to fantasy collections.

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