The Thirteenth House

by Sharon Shinn

Ace Hardcover; $24.95; 423pp

This is the second book in the “Twelve Houses” series (the first being “Mystic and Rider.”) And this is just as entertaining as the first one.

The tale delves deeper into the life of Kirra of House Danalustrous, shapeshifter and healer of the group of mystics and soldiers that were the core of the previous novel. In this tale, we once again go on a journey throughout the land of Gillengaria, to various members of the Twelve Houses---the upper crust of Gillengarian society. However, Kirra decides to travel in style (unlike her travels in the precious novel), and in disguise this time, hoping that people will be more forthcoming around her sister, Casserah who does not like to travel and whose personality is much more acerbic than Kirra’s. Casserah and Kirra’s father Malcolm need someone to travel about and get the pulse of the members of the Twelve Houses. Is there a revolt fomenting against the king and his family? And who is trying to kill the man designated as Regent, and should the king die before his daughter and heir reaches her majority?

Kirra’s travels are fascinating. And she falls in love with Romar Brendyn, the designated regent. They fall into a passionate affair, which really adds spice to the novel. Of course, there is one itty bitty problem: Romar Brendyn is married. And Kirra actually meets Brendyn’s wife and to her chagrin, finds she is a very sweet, even-tempered woman.

So, poor Kirra, swept away by love, constantly fights her overpowering emotions and subsequent guilt (Brendyn doesn’t fight his too hard). Their romance takes place during a Royal Progress with the Queen Valri and Princess Amalie as they attend the summer season’s round of parties and balls. The Royal Progress is not just a lark by two royal ladies but a much needed show of strength from King Baryn. The Houses need to see his wife and daughter are capable women.

As they go from House to House, Kirra and her companions (Cammon, Justin, Senneth, Tayse and Donal join them to protect the Queen and Princess) find that revolt is still very much in the air. We even run into the nasty Halchon Gisseltess from the previous book, who is the point man in all the unrest. And who still makes no secret of his wanting to marry Senneth after he gets rid of his current wife.

The novel is full of intrigues and battles and interesting characters. We have less of the Daughters of the Pale Mother who had a strong presence in the last book. They are still about, still preaching the evils of believing in the powers of mystics, but their presence is more muted this time out.

But there is still plenty here to keep you interested and anxious for the next book! A great Summer read. ~ Sue Martin