Lord of Snow and Shadows

Starred review from June 23, 2003
In this excellent start to a new fantasy series from British author Ash (Moths to a Flame), Gavril Andar, an idealistic young artist, falls for the nobly born Astasia Orlova, whose portrait he's been hired to paint. Luckily, he's attractive enough for Astasia to return the favor. He doesn't know he's also Gavril Nagarian, son of the recently assassinated ruler of the wintry kingdom of Azhkendir, and that fate is about to deal him a dreadful blow. Like his father before him, Gavril becomes soul-bound to the Drakhaoul, a creature that grants awesome power at a terrible price. Kidnapped, Gavril finds himself trapped in Kastel Drakhaon, reluctant to draw on his new magical abilities, as their use only makes him more beast-like and less human. But with Prince Eugene of Tielin threatening to reconquer all of the Rossiyan Empire, he may have no choice. Fascinating and unpredictable, Gavril's tale gains richness from the grand scope of Ash's narrative, with its echoes of Russian history under the czars. Enhanced by supporting characters who are living, breathing individuals, this book will leave readers drooling to get their hands on the sequel from the moment they turn its final page. Agent, John Richard Parker of MBA. (Aug. 5)Forecast:Stephen Youll's striking jacket art—of a snowy owl perched on a rock with castle and snowy mountains in the background—and good notices for the novel in the U.K. augur well for strong sales in the U.S.

June 15, 2003
When his father, the dragon warrior ruler of Azhkendir, is killed by his rivals, young Gavril assumes his rightful title of "Drakhaoul" and learns of the powers kindled by the dragon blood in his veins. As he changes gradually into a creature who draws energy and sustenance from the blood of innocents, Gavril embarks on a course of vengeance against his father's killers while seeking a way to end his blood-curse. Set in a world that draws heavily on the lore of ancient Russia, this series opener features an unusual hero who battles his inner demons in order to remain true to himself. A good choice for most fantasy collections.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2003
The fifth novel in the Last Rune saga continues the tale of a complex conflict between hidden users of magic on our Earth and open users of magic on an alternate Earth called Eldh. The action jumps between worlds and times, not to mention among the viewpoints of a cast of characters grown so large that it is beginning to demand a few lists. Nevertheless, those who have stayed with the story since "Beyond the Pale "(1998) kicked it off are going to enjoy themselves. "The Gates of Winter "picks up right where "Blood of Mystery" [BKL Ap 1 02] left off, and there is plenty of action in both worlds as heroes and villains alike try to win the race to find Travis, the Runemaster. Besides its plentitude, the action is brisk throughout, building to a climactic battle at the gate between the worlds at the very end of the book--an ending, be it noted, that not merely promises but guarantees at least one further volume. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)

August 1, 2003
When his father is murdered, young Gavril is forced to come of age and to step unprepared into his role as the new Lord Drakhaon of Azhkendir. Complicating matters is that, raised in the sunny south, Gavril knows nothing of his father or his dark lineage. When he was a child, his mother, Elysia, fled with him from the Drakhaons' castle in fear for her life. Now, as Gavril endures a period of initiation by the people of his kingdom, he slowly comes to realize the depth and horror of the darkness associated with his kingship--a darkness that, by the power of fire and blood, possesses and rules every Drakhaon, a darkness that requires the blood of innocents in order to survive. Ash's interesting, quickly paced dark fantasy emphasizes the power of love to conquer evil and the making of responsible choices.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)