The Sharing Knife Trilogy by
Lois McMaster Bujold
This fantasy trilogy is set in
the frontier, hundreds of years after a powerful society of sorcerers self-destructed.
Our hero, one of the guardian descendants of these sorcerers, meets and falls
for an unusual farmer girl. These two unlikely companions encounter adventure
in keeping the populace safe from dangerous Malice creatures and trouble over
their partnership from their exclusive cultural groups. The trilogy is
excitingly plotted. Bujold’s lithe writing and thoughtful treatment of
cooperation and consequences of actions make it well worth spending time in her
created world.
The Bridei Chronicles by Juliet
Marillier
Epic adventure/fantasy set in
the Pictish kingdoms of ancient
Britain. Bridei has been molded from a child to
be king, beset and tested mightily along the way. Rich in Druidic lore
and complicated military strategy, with some good, old fashioned (not sappy)
happy endings. I was at first afraid that it would, and then pleased that it
didn’t run along the gloomy lines of many of the Arthurian tales. Apparently
Bridei was a historical person. Although most of the history is lost in the
mists of time, Marillier endeavors to put in as much history and historical
flavor as she can.
Singer of Souls; Steward of Song
by Adam Stemple
Stemple’s edgy heroes and
contemporary setting give a gritty feel to these two modern fantasy novels. In
the first book, Douglas Stewart quits drugs and heads across the pond to
Scotland where he stumbles upon a very unusual talent as he earns his living as
a street musician. Turns out he can sing the essence of a person, particularly
those from the fairy world. The fairy queen uses him for this talent and then
finds she has driven a costly bargain. In the second book we find out can
Douglas be saved, then, from himself?
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