The High King’s Tomb
by Kristen Britain
DAW Books, 679pp, $25.95

Well, I dove into this, knowing full well it was the third book in the series (with more to come). I was told I’d get it because it was a stand-alone tale.

Well, not exactly. There is a load of material, characters, events and places that are alluded to in this novel that I have no clue about, so it did make understanding the whys and wherefores a bit difficult. But nevertheless, I was able to read this in about three days.

Basically, we have the extremely plucky heroine Karigan G’ladheon who from humble origins has become a Green Rider—a member of an elite (and slightly magical) troop of King’s Messengers who fulfill assignments and errands above and beyond what a simple messenger or soldier would handle.

Karigan is sent hither and yon throughout Sacoridia (the land in which all this takes place) in search of a magical book which will hopefully make clear the nature of the D’Yer Wall—a barrier that fundamentally keeps evil out of the lands ruled by King Zachary. And behind which a very evil king/sorcerer’s spirit named Mornhavon is bound. And the D’Yer Wall is falling apart.

Karigan was the one who facilitated Mornhavon’s binding, saving the land from being overwhelmed by evil and darkness.

Because this is such a big book, there are three major story threads to follow: Karigan and apprentice Green Rider Fergal and their adventures, Grandmother (shudder!) and her band of secret supporters of the Second Empire (bad, bad, bad) and Alton, Dale and Merdigen who are dealing with the breaches in the D’Yer Wall. There are a few subsidiary characters storylines: Lord Amberwell (and his alter-ego The Raven Mask), Lady Estora (soon to be Queen) and King Zachary and Green Rider Beryl and her capture and torture by Grandmother.

So, be forewarned. You really should start at the beginning of this series so all the players and events are clear in your head. The other thing you should know---it might be some years until the next book because book one “Green Rider” was published in 1998 and book two “First Rider’s Call” was published in 2003 (these are the hardback pub dates)!

With all THAT said: the story was pretty darn interesting, convoluted, but compelling. Britain has created some interesting evils, gods and her version of elves called Eletians. The land of Sacoridia is very well-thought out and the details are fascinating.

If I can find a copy of the earlier books, used, I shall probably read them. - Sue Martin