Mother of Lies

Mother of Lies concludes the story begun in Children of Chaos.

The Doge's children have been reunited and the presumed dead Dantio has emerged to reveal that his death was false. Together, they prepare to flee Vigaelia and cross the perilous Edge to Florengia, with the forces of Saltaja and Satrap Horold in hot pursuit.

Meanwhile, rebels in Florengia and Vigaelia take advantage of Bloodlord Stralg's weakened hold on Florengia and move to set a risky scheme in motion. The doge of Celebre is on the verge of death and his wife will be drawn into the rebel's plans as her children make their way to Celebre.

The good characterizations that worked well in the previous book continue here as well, with Orlando in particular fleshed out and given more depth than before. The web of plots and counter-plots keeps the story moving at a lively pace and builds up to a more or less satisfying conclusion.

As with the previous book, this was an enjoyable read all around. It is a bit of a lighter fantasy but with a good depth to the plot and characters that keeps it from being a tired re-tread of old formulas.

Note: Mother of Lies will be released on May 15th, 2007.

Other Reviews of works by Dave Duncan

The Alchemist's Apprentice - Apr 15, 2007

Children of Chaos - Feb 22, 2007