From School Library Journal
Grade 4–8—On the isle of Eswiland, wizards are called "Night-eyes," or "Nightwalkers," because of their dark features and magical powers that allow them to travel safe and unseen through shadowy places. However, these powers didn't stop "Good King Hallow," a historical hero to the human population, from practically wiping them out. His weapons were propaganda and "philosopher's fire," which burned only Nightwalkers. Two generations and a lot of tedious family histories and expository conversation later, a suspiciously dark-eyed boy and a displaced duchess escape the current human king's court and make for the magically fortified mountain of the wizards. Along the way, Johansen includes a couple of funny scenes involving, for example, pigs charging the throne room. Unfortunately, she also throws off the pacing and misses the opportunity for character development by focusing on the action scenes while glossing over the getting-to-know-you parts of the journey. This causes real problems toward the end, where she stages a change-of-heart-and-reconciliation scene that isn't a bit believable. Johansen cites Tolkien as an influence, and is at her best when writing about war councils and political intrigues. This book might entertain readers who are waiting for the next book by Megan Whalen Turner or Diana Wynne Jones, but it won't leave a lasting impression.—Emily R. Brown, Providence Public Library, RI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --Ce texte fait référence à l'édition Broché .
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --Ce texte fait référence à l'édition Broché .
Booklist
Expelled from Cragroyal University's grammar school after the death of his guardian, orphaned Maurey has been forced to work as a scullion. The students torment him for his dark hair and eyes, features associated with nightwalkers-their island's feared sorcerers. His situation worsens when a ring he wears seems to link him to both the royal family and to nightwalker magic, causing the university's chancellor, a close advisor to the malleable king, to throw Maurey in the dungeon. A plucky young baroness helps him escape, and they live off the land as they travel toward Talverdin, the legendary realm of the nightwalkers. In Talverdin, Maurey discovers his true origins and learns that he must prevent the chancellor from bringing a large force through Talverdin's magical protections. Despite some predictable elements, the fast-paced adventure, compelling characters, and conflicts that make sense will reward readers of this fully realized fantasy, a promising start to the Warlocks of Talverdin series. Diana Herald
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --Ce texte fait référence à l'édition Broché .
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --Ce texte fait référence à l'édition Broché .
