Stormlord Rising (Watergivers Book Two)

Title: Stormlord Rising
Author: Glenda Larke
Series: Watergivers
Preceeded By: The Last Stormlord
Succeeded By: Stormlord's Exile

Ratings

Score: 9/10
How likely I am to read the next in the Series: Definite

Review

According to my blog stats, the prequel to this book - "The Last Stormlord" - is the most viewed review on my blog. Apparently people are quite interested in the series. And I can see why, that first book was really good. This second one though, is even better.

As before it has a striking cover, apparently of a woman this time, which really does it's job of attracting readers. And they should be attracted. But ideally to the Last Storlord first, as that really needs to be read before a lot of this one can be understood.But it's worth doing. In this one we see shale undergoing a lot of character development, and Terenelle as well to a lesser degree. But character development means nothing without a good plot, and this one is almost irresistibly good.

Since the start of the first book the country is an a substantially different state, and the story being about the various powers of the "Quatern" means that we see a lot of dramatic changes. But there is one storyline that is about someone with no political power at all which really interests me. Now in this book her story isn't that exciting. It's basically just travelling for the most part. But there's something about the character of Terenelle that really wants to let me know more. I've recently said that the best books can make you fall in love with their characters. Now maybe it doesn't go quite that far - but I certainly wouldn't mind spending a considerable amount of time with her.

There is another character - the competition for the "love" of the main character - but in the sense of an arranged marriage. She's a fantastic character, wonderfully written, and unlike Terenelle is the kind of person you wouldn't want to spend a lot of time with. She's a spoilt brat, essentially. Rather annoying, but still one of my favourtie characters. The others are all really good characters, but these two are my favourite.

The only reason that I haven't given this full marks (Except on Amazon etc, where 4.5/5 is not available), is because there are a couple of discontinuity points in the same book. For example - Terenelle can't use her powers to save her and her grandfather because she has forgotten her paints. Yet later - when rescued - the rescuers say they picked up her paints. It's not a big problem - but it was kind of confusing. If Stormlord's Exile can avoid this problem, I can see it getting 10/10.

This is a really good trilogy - on par with some of the best fantasy writers such as Trudi Canavan and Maggie Furey. There is a couple of minor problems - but the story is great, the characters are incredible, and it's generally a fantastic experience. I both look forwards to the next book and dread the end of the trilogy. If you read this, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.

More Information

Main Protagonist(s): Male and Female
Main Antagonist(s): 1-2 Male
Main Relationships: Heterosexual
Genre: Fantasy
Brief Synopsis:
Shale Flint has skills needed in a world in which water is worth more than gold, yet he can't control his own destiny. Circumstances force him to continue helping the devious rainlord, Taquar Sardonyx, to create rain—even though Taquar is using his control of water to further his own lust for power…

Terelle has been forced to leave the Scarpen with her great-grandfather, Russet; his painting of her future has trapped her into doing his will. Russet will not give up until he has regained his status as a Watergiver lord in his homeland—but Terelle is determined to resist, no matter what the price.

Meanwhile, Ryka Feldspar has been captured and taken as a concubine by a Reduner tribemaster. She discovers her rainlord husband, Kaneth, in the slave lines, but he has no memories of their time together. She is desperate to flee—but how can she leave him to his fate?

(Author's Site)

ISBN: 978-0316069144
Website: Stormlord Rising
Amazon Link: US | UK
Pages: 704
First Published: 1 August 2010
Publisher: Orbit