This is the second series by Carol Berg that I read. The first was the awesome Rai-Kirah trilogy. Berg is a very powerful writer, and capable of creating some of the most inspiring storylines I’ve ever read. Take the example of a people in The Bridge of D’Arnath called the J’Ettanne – sorcerers. They gain their power through the appreciation of the world around them. Not just the beauty, but the ugly as well. The viewing of the totality of creation and perspective allows them to replenish their power and spend it healing, singing, creating. This is called “The Way” and it’s more than just a magic system. It’s a philosophy.
But the lynchpin of the book and the one that brings the story together, is the Lords. The three Lords of Zhev’Na. Evil, and powerful beyond belief. They were ordinary sorcerers once who got tired of the slow way of collecting power. Now they feed on hate, misery, and suffering. They lost their humanity a long time ago, and their eyes as well – now replaced by gemstones. Corruption in its purest form. Everything they touch, every mind they influence is scarred. Their works have been corrupting the world for thousands of years.
It’s difficult to describe the way Carol Berg paints the Lords, especially in the second book. Normally when you give form to a villain and make them accessible, they lose some of their awe and luster. That’s why Sauron in the Lord of the Rings was never really revealed. He was great behind the veil. But somehow Berg introduces the Lords and actually makes them more menacing. One of the greatest adversary creations I’ve ever encountered.
It might seem like the series starts out slow – and it does. I initially didn’t really want to know about Seri’s backstory. I thought it secondary to the plot. But trust me – it’s the foundation of the entire tale. I’m the first one to dislike slow pacing, but this is absolutely critical. A wonderfully weaved and conceived work by an author with tremendous vision.