Living up to my expectations!, September 19, 2003

By	Megan Lindholm (Tacoma, WA United States) - See all my reviews

The strengths of Lynn Flewelling's writing are in her unique characterizations, unusual systems of magic and her unflinching pursuit of story. The Bone Doll's Twin left me amazed with the growth in her story telling abilities. That is not to say that I was dissatisfied with any of her earlier books, only that she continues to hone her skills as a writer. This sequel to Bone Doll, Hidden Warrior, plunges us immediately back into her world and her tale. I was very pleased with how quickly I re-entered that world, with no need to look back at the earlier book to refresh my memory as to who someone was or what their motivation was; her characters and plot had remained that strong within my memory.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes their fantasy with a streak of dark magic and ambition to it, and who doesn't quail at where that ambition can lead even the 'good' characters. It is also a good read for readers who want things to actually happen in the middle book of a trilogy, rather than for characters to simply mark time.

In too many fantasy books these days, the minor characters seem to be created for the convenience of the lead character, with no motivations or lives of their own. This is certainly not the case in Hidden Warrior. Because the lesser characters have their own concerns and lives, and because their aspirations are not always in tune with the main character, the plot is not predictable nor staid.

Also, to put it in the vernacular, Flewelling retains the ability, first demonstrated in the Bone Doll's Twin, to plain old creep me out. This book was enough to take my mild phobia of dollies and raise it to an all new high. At the same time, she forced me to feel great sympathy for Brother and the injustice of his shadow existence. That's quite a feat.
Don't start with this book; you owe yourself the enjoyment of the full reading experience of starting with The Bone Doll's Twin and gradually being drawn into this world. Hidden Warrior simply pulls the mesh tighter around you.

As a fellow writer of fantasy, my time for reading for pleasure has become all too limited of late. There are few writers who make me drop what I'm working on to pick up their new book. Lynn Flewelling is one of them.

Megan Lindholm (Robin Hobb)

Need I say more? ;)

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