A March into Darkness

by Robert Newcomb

Del Ray, 638 pp, $26.95

A March into Darkness is volume two of the Destinies of Blood and Stone.

Wulfgar was defeated by Tristan, but rejoicing will have to wait. Wulfgar’s spouse, Serena has not given up stealing the scroll of the Vigors [good magic] and avenging the death of Wulfgar and their daughter. Tristan prepares to sail for Serena’s stronghold. However, on the eve of the mission, Xanthus, an invincible warrior will come through the Azure Wall, torturing innocents to death unless Tristan returns with him to an uncertain fate. There he learns about his and his sister’s destiny.

While he is gone, his sister takes the fleet against Serena’s citadel. But many traps await them with Hellish creatures summoned by the heretics [bad magic]; while Serena prepares a spell that can bring her dead daughter back to life.

Here be epic fantasy with complex characters, a fully realized complex world light and dark strive to rule over generations. The destiny of the twins is to bring the two sides back into balance. Maybe next volume. Fantasy lovers will want to get their hands on this. - Pam Allan