Lazarowitz, Steve
A LEAF IN THE
WIND: The Chronicles of High Gondylar Book One
Steve Lazarowitz
Double Dragon Publishing 2004
e-book 426 pages
ISBN# 1-55404-129-5
RPG fans should like this one. High Gondylar is a fantasy world that is mostly human, where the emphasis of conflict is on politics supported by swords and sorcery.
The beautiful maiden Cyanne is half human and half Ethrellen (think Elf). With the death of her parents she becomes the Duchess of High Gondylar and takes as her Duke a vibrant fighter named Tanrif. This is not an easy accomplishment as forces everywhere attempt to thwart Cyanne's rise to power, forces that are arrayed not only against her but against her lover as well. Tanrif has been raised to fulfill a prophecy, though he does not at first know it. He finds himself attacked and quickly learns he is the target of assassination because of prophecy. Is it a coincidence that he finds not one, but two magical jewels that aid him in battle? Tanrif is "A leaf in the wind", a puppet of the Goddess Iorana who has a complaint against a fellow goddess and so uses Tanrif to accomplish her goals.
The Chronicles of High Gondylar covers the generations of rulership guarded by Bladesman Kestryl, the dukedom's most loyal subject because his spirit was originally that of a hawk captured and placed in human form by magic. Kestryl will do anything to keep the rightful ruler on the throne for the good of all Gondylar.
The world-building in this series is fun, as is the plotting which had an unusual twist. I read Books One and Two as fast as I could and was saddened to find #3 not yet released. As I eagerly await it, I will tell you that this is not a disappointing read. Enjoy.
Steve Lazarowitz
Double Dragon Publishing 2004
e-book 426 pages
ISBN# 1-55404-129-5
RPG fans should like this one. High Gondylar is a fantasy world that is mostly human, where the emphasis of conflict is on politics supported by swords and sorcery.
The beautiful maiden Cyanne is half human and half Ethrellen (think Elf). With the death of her parents she becomes the Duchess of High Gondylar and takes as her Duke a vibrant fighter named Tanrif. This is not an easy accomplishment as forces everywhere attempt to thwart Cyanne's rise to power, forces that are arrayed not only against her but against her lover as well. Tanrif has been raised to fulfill a prophecy, though he does not at first know it. He finds himself attacked and quickly learns he is the target of assassination because of prophecy. Is it a coincidence that he finds not one, but two magical jewels that aid him in battle? Tanrif is "A leaf in the wind", a puppet of the Goddess Iorana who has a complaint against a fellow goddess and so uses Tanrif to accomplish her goals.
The Chronicles of High Gondylar covers the generations of rulership guarded by Bladesman Kestryl, the dukedom's most loyal subject because his spirit was originally that of a hawk captured and placed in human form by magic. Kestryl will do anything to keep the rightful ruler on the throne for the good of all Gondylar.
The world-building in this series is fun, as is the plotting which had an unusual twist. I read Books One and Two as fast as I could and was saddened to find #3 not yet released. As I eagerly await it, I will tell you that this is not a disappointing read. Enjoy.
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