Robert Newcomb, Savage Messiah

Savage Messiah

Robert Newcomb

Del Rey, Jan 2006, $26.95, 592 pp.

ISBN: 0345477073

In Eutracia, the final skirmish OF THE SCROLLS OF THE ANCIENTS ended with the good Tristan defeating his evil half-brother Wulfgar; at least everyone (including readers) thought that was the war to end all wars. However, instead as a bi-product of the heroic battle, the spring of good magic, the Orb of Vigors, was ripped open. Now unchecked magical energy is dripping everywhere, as the orb falls from the sky ravaging anything that crosses its path.

Only Prince Tristan can mend the Orb and stop pandemic destruction from occurring. However, for Tristan to fulfill the quest, his blood tendencies must be altered by the First Wizard Wigg. A mistake would kill Tristan and subsequently all of Eutracia. However, Wulfgar thought dead (once again by all) returns as Enseterat who is abetted by the Heretics of the Guild applies the Scroll of Vagaries to cause havoc in his effort to enact revenge on those who defeated him while he attempts to conquerg the world.

Most fans of the first trilogy (see Chronicles of Blood and Stone) will enjoy the return to the realm with the initial tale in the Destinies of Moon and Stone three-peat. The story line is action-packed moving forward at a fast pace as is usual in a Robert Newcomb fantasy. Tristan continues to be a great likable champion and his allies are strong amiable supporters of him. On the other hand the return of Wulfgar seems wrong, magical blood aside, and he feels less dimensional than in his previous escapades. Though somewhat a rehash, the Blood and Stone crowd will find this opening gamut quite appealing.

Harriet Klausner