Giles Carwyn & Todd Fahnestock, Heir of Autumn

Heir of Autumn

Giles Carwyn & Todd Fahnestock

Eos, Feb 2006, $25.95, 450 pp.

ISBN 0060878908

Ohndarien is a city of peace where little crime exists and freedom abounds. The realm is governed by the Children of the Seasons, men and women who took the Test of Stone, and those who are found worthy of the Heartstone. They wear a diamond in their chests that grants them magical powers. Prince Krellis of Physendria came to Ohndarien to conquer, but was persuaded by one of the Children, Baelandra, to take the test, and when he passes it he becomes one of the Children.

Krellis trains the army and governs justly so that the people and soldiers become loyal to him. When his son with his dying breath tells his father that Brophy was the one who raped a Faradan girl, Krellis exiles him. He is shipped to Physendira who intends to invade the Ohndariens. He becomes the Queen's champion in the deadly game Nine Squares. From there he travels to the island of Cinder to ask the Opal Empire to help them in the upcoming war. On the island is a potent weapon, that if let loose could destroy the world. Once the Opal Empire realizes that Ohndariens were preventing the Legacy of Efflen from being used, they change sides and agree to help. However it will be Brophy who will be the one to save his homeland, if he is willing to pay the price.

HEIR OF AUTUMN is a terrific and spellbinding work of high fantasy. There is enough political intrigue, battle scenes and romance to keep readers' attention at an all time high. Told from the perspective of various characters, fans become so involved with the tale that they are unable to stop reading, even for one moment, because they want to see what happens next. The authors have an excellent sense of place that allows the audience to believe these locales actually exist.