The Mirror Prince

by Violette Malan

DAW Books; $15; 309 pp

It took me a while to get into this book as it has a rather nasty event in the beginning which put me off on it for awhile.

But once I got past it, the tale became more entertaining and engrossing. Malan has a nice, serviceable writing style. And I liked it that she gave her “elves” names like Honor of Souls and Peace at Dawn. She also utilizes the idea of the ancient English/Celtic spectral Hunt as one of the bad guy’s creepiest cadre of warriors.

Basically, we have a history professor from Toronto who is swept up into wild events in the alternate world known as the Lands of the People. Because of course, Prof. Max Ravenhill is not who he seems---even to himself. It turns out he is a thousand year old Prince Guardian, who in a misguided attempt at nobility many, many moons ago, got himself Banished to the Shadowlands…this being where you and I and the rest of the mundanes reside.

Well, his Exile and Banishment is up, his People need him and its time to take on the machinations of the Basilisk Prince, who has an evil agenda of his own and has been running things for some time… running them right into the ground, of course. And Max, as Prince Guardian and Keeper of the magical Talismans is needed to thwart the Basilisk Prince’s plans.

This is a charming combination of the modern world and the fae. Max and his People are Elvish. (At one point a character remarks that they look quite like Tolkien’s elves). And the Lands of the People are also full of trolls and water sprites and tree spirits.

Of course, there is a Warden sent into Exile to protect the Prince Guardian while Banished who was a teacher in a dojo when the novel opens. Cassandra, a no-nonsense Warden, works hard to get Max Ravenhill to remember his real life so he can recall where the Talismans are hidden. (As part of his Banishment, his memory was erased.) Cassandra and Max are also sweeties and have been through all of his lives. (He has lived several).

So there are lots of interesting characters to be met in the Lands and much derring do in Max’s journey to not only recall his true self and his purpose, but the love he has for Cassandra, as well.

The book ends with a bit of surprise in the final pages and a question, which of course will undoubtedly be answered in the next novel! - Sue Martin

The Mirror Prince

By Violette Malan

DAW Books, New York 2006, 320 Pages, Trade Paperback, $15.00

For Centuries the Prince Guardian of the Talismans of Faerie lived in Exile in the Shadowlands. He was bespelled with false memories, new ones every thirty years or so. Now the long exile is ending and the time is coming when he is to return, but the Basilisk Prince has called the Wild Hunt to destroy him lest he turn the Talismans over to a new High Prince. The Prince Guardian, presently Max Ravenhill, professor of History at a major university, is not equipped to face this. He needed friends and his memories back fast. He had one in the person assigned to keep him safe Cassandra Kennaby [Sword of Truth], but the memories were elusive.

Escaping with difficulty from a single Hound, Cassandra realizes that she must flee into Faerie lest they be killed immediately. This brings Max home before his Exile is up and with no memories of the location of the Talismans. Additionally evidence emerges that the Basilisk Prince may have gained that knowledge. Who can they trust? The enemy has had centuries to consolidate his position. Also throughout Faerie a Blight has grown. Births have stopped and the Dominions are fading. If the Basilisk Prince triumphs, Faerie will fade entirely and Max’s beloved Shadowlands will be threatened.

Max Ravenhill, the historian, proves surprisingly able to deal with the bewildering political complexity he finds. Cassandra finds herself following his lead. Allies are found but can they prevent the enemy from seizing and enslaving the Talismans of Power. Is there a True High Prince available to displace the False Basilisk? The answer to that is a surprise.

Violette Malan has written a novel that uses the traditional Faerie in slightly new ways and compels attention. Her characters, even those who appear briefly and die, seem real. The relationship between Max and Cassandra is complex and believable. The Solitary Messenger, Hearth of the High Wind, The Last Born, is a poignant and impressive character who contributes much of the emotional impact of the story. He personifies all of the Loyal Riders and Messengers who come to help.

I recommend the book. – Gary Swaty