Mercedes Lackey, Fortune's Fool

Fortune's Fool

Mercedes Lackey

Luna, Mar 2007, $24.95

ISBN: 0373802661

Katya, the Sea King's daughter, is the only one besides her father who can breath while walking on land or swimming under the water. It is her trait that makes it easy for her dad to use her as an agent when it appears trouble is happening on the mortal land. He directs her to the realm of Led Belarus to learn why things are too quiet there since historically, whenever that has occurred, epic catastrophes follow.

When she arrives at her destination, Katya meets Prince Sasha, the seventh son of the king, who is both a Wise Fool and a Storyweaver. The land is peaceful because he coaxes with music and song the Tradition (Fate) to move wherever he deems it should go. They fall in love rather quickly while realizing they must part for a while because her father wants to know who has taken residence at the Katschei' Castle. Whatever that entity is, it has abducted young female magic users and soon includes Katya as one of the kidnapped. Sasha must go though many trials to find his soulmate.

This romantic fantasy is a beautiful and charming adult fairy tale. The love at first sight between the protagonists showcases the magic of Mercedes Lackey as the reactions between Katya and Sasha seems genuine, which in turn brings believability to the plot. There are various types of magical beings populating the tale, some good and some bad and some both, but all fascinating, especially FORTUNE'S FOOL.

Harriet Klausner