Alison Baird, The Archons of the Stars

The Archons of the Stars

Alison Baird

Aspect, Aug 2005, $13.95, 327 pp.

ISBN: 044669097X

Ailia Shipwright has been recognized as the human savior Princess of the Stars Tryna Lia, expected to defeat the malevolent God Valdur though her enemy contains similar power coupled with much more experience and no morals. Over the years Ailia has learned to use her vast deity-like abilities (see THE STONE OF THE STARS and THE EMPIRE OF THE STARS) and her allies have helped her prepare for the final confrontation coming very soon.

Meanwhile one of her deadliest foes the Avatar of Valdur Prince Morlan remains almost exclusively in his dragon body as Mandrake preparies himself to become the host of Valdur. While their respective allies war all over heaven, earth, hell and every other place in between, the final battle remains between Ailia and Mandrake fortified by Valdur on the evil God's home territory. The chances of the Princess triumphing seem remote at best.

This is a fabulous climax to a terrific fantasy trilogy as readers who have followed Ailia will appreciate the strong final confrontation with the Baird universe at stake. The story line is fast-paced and action-packed while loaded with all forms of mythological creatures especially shapeshifting dragons. Still the saga belongs to the heroine whose coming of age might mean her death and that of everyone she cares about. The pressure of being destiny's darling still remains from the previous novels, but the Princess steps to the plate to fight mano vs. womano with everything at stake. It is better to read the previous books first knowing that THE ARCHONS OF THE STARS is a five star triumph.

Harriet Klausner