Apprentice" introduced readers to most of the beloved characters of Midkemia, and the Riftwar conflict with the Tsurani. This, the second volume of the "Magician" books, brings Pug to his full magical powers as a Great One known as Milamber on the other side of the Rift. New, important Tsurani characters are introduced even as certain people on Midkemia continue to be followed. Even as Pug becomes a person of two natures or, rather, of two worlds, likewise his boyhood friend Tomas ends up sharing a single body with the ancient Valheru Ashen-Shugar.
Tsurani traits seemed to be drawn from Japanese samurai, Aztec and even ancient Roman traditions, and not always the best of them. Pug/Milamber starts as a captured slave, becomes a paramount Great One by virtue of his magic, and must find a way to end the Riftwar between his two worlds. Even though his magic plays a critical part in all that, Mr. Feist is more interested in the politics of both worlds. Kingdom politics become complicated for the conDoin line, but the politics of the other world are absolutely byzantine.
Pug/Milamber is a central character, but others are just as fully formed -- one of the great strengths of the series. Most readers will want to read more to see how their favorites fare, but the two books that make up "Magician" are complete in themselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment