The Rogue
Trudi Canavan
Orbit, May 11 2011, $25.00
ISBN: 9780316037860

Centuries have passed since Lyralia freed itself from the yoke of the Sachakan Empire. However, even with the passage of hundreds of years there remains a wary alliance between the two lands as both have long memories fostering distrust.

Inside the main Kyralia city, a pleasure drug is being illegally sold. This substance depletes the user's energy. The Kyralia leaders fear Sachakan magicians are behind the insidious drug as these mages take the strengths of people to enhance their prowess. If not these magicians, the Kyralia still fears the Empire sensing weakness and will invade. Meanwhile Lorkin of the Empire tries to learn the magic of Kyralia from the rebellious reticent Traitors while Sonea hunts for Cery the rogue who she believes is behind the enervating drug.

The second Traitor Spy fantasy is an enjoyable tale that fans of the Black Magician realm will enjoy if they read The Ambassador's Mission. The entertaining story line continues the previous book's main threads, but lacks any major subplot completion as it mostly sets up the next book. Still, the cast is powerful and fully developed; while the politics and machinations between the two nations brilliantly convoluted. Readers will look forward to the final confrontation.

Harriet Klausner