Overview
For five hundred years, the great southern empire of Hastinapura has flourished, ruling the world of Isavalta with an iron fist. But nothing lasts forever... The day of her womanhood ceremony finds Princess Natharie of Sindhu happily celebrating with her family, joyfully awaiting her marriage to a prince of another realm. However, when the Empire demands that her family send someone to court, Natharie realizes that she is the only one who can satisfy the Emperor's wishes. As Natharie spends time in the Hastinapura court, she learns of the Empire's bloodthirsty worship of the Mothers, and that their High Priest, Divakesh, is intent on spreading their worship beyond the Empire, including into neighboring Sindhu, at any cost. At the court, Natharie learns of plots that threaten to pit her homeland against Hastinapura in a disastrous war. Appalled by the power and brazenness of Prince Samudra, she realizes, as each day brings war ever nearer, that the powerful prince may be her only hope to prevent a war that could destroy them all.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Zettel's satisfying conclusion to her Isavalta series (after 2004's The Firebird's Vengeance) illuminates the inner workings of the royal court of the Hastinapura Empire through the eyes of 19-year-old Princess Natharie of Sindhu, taken there as tribute from her father, King Kiet of the neighboring realm of Sindhu. Though women in Hastinapura are sequestered, they plot and peddle influence as deftly as the politicians, generals and priests who clamor for Emperor Chandra's attention. Chandra's honorable brother, Prince Samudra, does his best to influence his stern brother, but a year away carrying out diplomatic duties has weakened his own alliances at court. As Isavalta's nations chafe under Hastinapura's rule, Samudra and Natharie are caught up in a web of intrigue that could enmesh the land in all-out war. The fast-paced, complex story works well as a stand-alone and is sure to appeal to fans of both epic fantasy and romance. (Mar.)
Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.VOYA -
In this fourth book set in the world of Isavalta, Zettel takes readers back a generation before the events of The Usurper's Crown (Tor, 2003/VOYA June 2003) to chronicle the history of the countries of Histinapura and Sindhu. The early life of the sorcerer Yamuna, who figures prominently in the earlier books, is revealed as are the events that lead Prince Samudra to replace his brother on the Pearl Throne. In the land of Isavalta, magic is woven from the elemental threads of the earth and the soul, and sorcerers work to weave the magic to affect the events of the world. Human agency is at work, and intrigues, political conspiracies, and treachery swirl through the courts of each land. Zettel's magical imaginings are intensely engrossing, and her world building shines as she continues unfolding the absorbing saga that borrows from elements of Russian, Indian, and Chinese mythologies. Vivid characters and a lovely romance add their threads to the utterly satisfying story being woven. As in previous books, it takes a while to understand where this book fits in the chronology of Isavalta, but the sheer storytelling magic sweeps the reader through this minor problem. This book can stand alone for new readers, but they will join followers of the series in hoping for more books to come.Library Journal
Princess Natharie of Sindhu, given as tribute to the emperor of Hastinapura, finds herself at odds with the ambitious and ruthless imperial priests and the emperor's ambitions. She finds an ally in Prince Samudra, the emperor's younger brother, but it may not be enough to protect her or her homeland. Zettel concludes her romantic fantasy series with this fourth installment, as politics, magic, religion, and romance blend against a background reminiscent of mythical China, India, and Russia. Along with other series titles (A Sorcerer's Treason; The Usurper's Crown; The Firebird's Vengeance), this work belongs in fantasy collections.—Jackie Cassada