Terry McGarry, Triad

Triad

Terry McGarry

Tor, Nov 2005, $27.95

ISBN: 0765304295

The Outerlands using darkcraft have successfully attacked the island continent of Eiden Myr, which was a safe haven for at least fifteen centuries. Desperate efforts to save the isle so far have failed and apparently those still living are doomed as monsters from the myths assault them in spite of the rebirth of the magelight with new practitioners (wordsmiths, illuminators and binders) establishing fresh triads.

The last hope is for a Triad to travel to a haunted realm where they will probably die. They must cast spells using the taboo darkcraft. They are too young and the mage leaders like Breida Shielder wonder how far they have fallen already having depended on lunatics to defend their island home and now the inexperienced youngsters. Breida also ponders if they succeed somehow, who will contain this Great Triad that includes someone close to her that she wants to protect, but knows she cannot indulge in such a luxury.

This is high fantasy at its best as Terry McGarry closes her trilogy (see ILLUMINATION and THE BINDER'S ROAD with terrific finish. The story line is action-packed, but never loses sight of the importance of key characters and not just the Great triad members. Readers will treasure this fabulous end to a great saga, but be advised that to fully savor the epic tale read the previous novels first.

Harriet Klausner