When the Saints

October 15, 2011
Second installment of the versatile, talented Duncan's latest historical fantasy, following Speak to the Devil (2010), set in Jorgary, a fictional country in late 15th-century Central Europe. Certain individuals possess a form of magic called Speaking, which involves invoking saints (or according to the Church, demons--even though the Church has its own Speakers) to work miracles. The Magnus clan has loyally served the kings of Jorgary for centuries. However, Cardinal Zdenek, the real ruler of Jorgary--old King Konrad lies dying, while Crown Prince Konrad is an irresponsible rakehell--knows that Duke Wartislaw of Pomerania has invaded Jorgary with an army of Wends. Only the seemingly impregnable Castle Gallant holds the Silver Road against Wartislaw's advance. Unfortunately, Wartislaw has brought with him a monster cannon capable of smashing the castle. The four surviving Magnus brothers, Wulf, Otto, Anton and Vlad, have belatedly been dispatched to Gallant to organize the defenses. Young Wulf is a Speaker, powerful but untrained and ignorant of magic's rules, wracked with doubts as to whether his talents truly emanate from saints or demons. Zdenek arranges for another Speaker, from a mysterious organization known as the Saints, to assist with Wulf's education. But Wulf has other problems: He's desperately in love with countess Madlenka, Anton's wife; and, thanks to his actions in the previous book, the Inquisition is after him--and they are relentless. An authoritative reworking of history, combining a splendid welter of religious and political intrigues with Duncan's typically inventive, deft handling of magic and character-driven action. After some rather inattentive efforts in the past few years, the author is back in top form.

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September 15, 2011

Angered by the untimely death of their brother Marek, the remaining siblings--Ottokar, Vladislav, Anton, and Wulfgang--gather to defend their castle in Cardice from invasion by the Count of Pelrelm. The magical powers possessed by Wulfgang--and forbidden by the Church unless under its control--can turn the tide, but whether the youngest Magnus brother can walk the fine line between loyalty and heresy calls the family's most sacred duties into question. The sequel to Speak to the Devil continues Duncan's portrayal of Renaissance Europe, albeit one blessed (or cursed) by the existence of a magic that some say comes from the saints while others denounce it as satanic in origin. VERDICT Duncan excels in finding imaginative ways to present supernatural powers, and his latest series proves no exception. Set in a 15th-century Europe, this engrossing family drama and historical fantasy should particularly appeal to fans of Katherine Kurtz's "Chronicles of the Deryni" tales.

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