Dan Chernenko, The Scepter's Return

The Scepter's Return

Dan Chernenko

Roc, March 2005 $14.95, 448 pp.

ISBN 045460146

In the realm of Avornis, two monarchs rule; after years of mutual distrust, Kings Grus and Lanius co-exist peacefully. Lanius is married to Grus' daughter, but resents sharing the crown. Both rulers are determined to retrieve the Scepter of Mercy that was stolen by the Menteshe tribes and now resides in their heavily fortified city of Yozgat.

King Grus leads a military campaign into Menteshe freeing the thralls of the sorcery that left them as beasts of burden. He regains lands that once belonged to Avornis but cuts short his invasion with winter coming. The following year, Grus places a siege on Yozgat but it is Lanius who comes up with a daring plan to steal the Scepter from under the nose of the Prince Korut who is inside the besieged city. If Lanius' plan works, they won't have a protracted battle with many lives lost, but the evil Banished One abets his followers the Menteshe in efforts to destroy Grus and his army.

Combine sword and sorcery with family drama within the castle in Avornis and one will have an idea of what THE SCEPTER'S RETURN is all about. Lanius has really matured over the three books in this series and is wise enough to rule in his own right. Grus is a heroic figure who had to fight to get where he is but once he accomplishes all he set out to do, he wonders if his life will ever be as rewarding as it is when his goals are met. This colorful, entertaining and enchanting work is epic in scope. Dan Chernenko is a bright star in the fantasy horizon.

Harriet Klausner