Publisher's Weekly Review
Popular fantasy writer Duncan (Children of Chaos) takes readers to an alternate 15th-century Europe where knighthood is on the wane, and the magic of Speakers is secretly courted by the same political and religious powers who condemn it as Satanism. The noble but penniless Magnus family of Jorgary has "a long and painful history of producing Speakers." That's why Cardinal Zdenek, the power behind Jorgary's throne, sends brothers Anton and Wulfgang Magnus to take control of strategic Castle Gallant and defend the northern border against Duke Wartislaw. A love triangle among the daughter of the castle's dead lord and the Magnus brothers soon mixes explosively with politics and war in a stimulating adventure grounded by deft characterizations and a vivid historical setting. The Magnus family motto is omnia audere-"I dare any odds!"-and Duncan is primed to follow it with style in this compelling new series. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Did Joan of Arc really hear angels, or was she under the influence of Satan, as the church determined? This tale of five brothers of noble descent, set in an alternate Europe at the end of the feudal era, asks the same question. In this case, however, the church is aware that Speakers actually exist and often uses them for its own ends while attempting to keep the populace ignorant of the magic such persons can perform. Anton Magnus, a baron's younger and therefore socially much lesser brother, is very ambitious. Catching the attention of the king's chief minister, Cardinal Zdenek, he gets sent on a virtually suicidal mission that does, however, promise riches and a title should he succeed at it and live. When he begs to bring his younger brother Wulf, the cardinal forces Anton to reveal that Wulf is a Speaker and can perform miracles. For each action performed, another layer of the story is revealed. Love, magic, religion, and politics collide in this tale of the supernatural knight-errantry.--Gerber, Rebecca Copyright 2010 Booklist