David Feintuch
THE
KING
David Feintuch
ACE Books 2002 [Mass-market edition 2003]
Pb 583 pgs
ISBN#
0-441-01037-7
This is for fans of great characterization (but start at the beginning). THE KING is second in Feintuch’s RODRIGO OF CALEDON SAGA. In THE STILL, Prince Rodrigo of Caledon came to the throne much too soon and abruptly. Now his kingdom is in ruins and King Rodrigo is constantly on horseback with his swordsmen, riding from one end of his crumbling country to the other in a desperate attempt to keep the invading barbarian Norlanders from establishing a foothold.
Though Roddy grew up painfully fast he is nevertheless referred to as “the boy king” by friend and foe. He must continually prove himself not only to his men but also to an enemy whose force greatly outnumbers his own. Roddy has the magic of the Still but it seems insufficient against the Norlander leader’s magic of the Rood, which divides opponents with confusion, dissention, and despair. Roddy does have another asset, however, and that is the trust of great liegemen. And this is where the story becomes intense: Roddy’s trusted liegemen fall, one by one, and he must learn to stand alone as king. It is a painful journey of action and battles, blood and sorrow. Yet Roddy does not give up. Above all, he is tenacious and brave. A true leader of men.
As a fan of Feintuch’s, I cannot help but enjoy this saga. The action and characterization are always marvelous. The female characterization is even good in this volume, representing an area of growth for this author. Feintuch is a master of taking his honorable main character over the edge of desperation, of keeping the reader hanging with fine world-building, fantastic action scenes, and intense personal moments that bring those characters to life. As always, a real page-turner.
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