The Gold Falcon

by Katherine Kerr

Daw, 493 pp [plus glossary], $24.95

The Gold Falcon is the 11^TH book in the Deverry world, and is called Book One of the Silver Worm.

It is a time of unrest in the kingdom of Deverry. The Horsekin, longtime enemies of Deverry and the Westfolk [Elven nomads] are raiding the menace of the along the borders. A deadly cholera type epidemic has ravaged the city of Trev Hael leaving many orphans in its wake. Neb and Clae, their parents dead, are sent to their last living relative on a desolate farm. There they learn of the Horsekin, who sweep in and wipe out their last family and various other villages taking slaves and wiping out the rest. Spurred on by their new goddess, Alshandra, they plan to wipe out the Westfolk and the Deverrian farmers

Fleeing for their lives, and led by a yellow gnome, a member of the wildfolk, the fugitives meet Salamander, a bard who takes them under his wing bringing them to the haven of Teiryn Cadryc’s dun. Here Neb will come face to face with his soulmate Branna. Brought together by a centuries old pledge and the strength of the dweomer that neither remembers, they will be drawn into the war. Although they have powerful allies in the Westfolk, they also have powerful enemies from a past they cannot remember..

One can truly see why Kerr’s Deverry series has continued so long. Great characterization, plotting that intersperses quiet and humor with fast action. I couldn’t put it down. I not only recommend it but look forward to the next one. Read It. - Pam Allan