Several years pass between the end of the second book of John Maddox Roberts’ Stormlands, The Black Shields, and the third book, The Poisoned Lands. Enough years for the sons of the series’ hero, Hael, to have reached a warrior’s age. Hael, in fact, makes no appearance in this volume, apparently busy in the East acquiring firearms. His eldest son, Ansa, takes on the primary role as protagonist, being about the same age as Hael when he left the Stormlands in book one.
Joining Ansa as protagonist is Fyana, a blue-skinned mystic of the Canyonlands (presumably the Grand Canyon.) She also serves as love interest. Ansa and Fyana are fine young heroes. Through their eyes (as well as through the eyes of the villain and villainess) we readers are introduced to new lands south of the Kol (Colorado, presumably) River. As usual, Roberts’ travel guide is colorful, exotic, and entertaining. And, as usual, he keeps the adventure moving. There are a couple of excellent battle scenes, some small-scale skirmishes, and plenty of drama and intrigue. The final chapter moves even faster, resolving in the last few pages the serious trouble Ansa managed to get himself into. And, as expected, the foundation is laid for the conflict in the next book. I hope that will involve Hael. While Ansa was fun to follow, I’m curious to catch up with the mature Hael and get an insight into his doings and schemes.
Notions of age, aging, and mortality are crucial to the plot. I appreciated the examination from various viewpoints. Why? Because it was well done, of course. Not due to my own…increasing maturity and venerable status. No. I’m in my prime.
In case you haven’t gathered this fact before, I’m thoroughly enjoying this series. How I’ve let it slip past unnoticed all these years is a mystery. But I’m glad I get to read it now.
If you’re looking for something to read (while waiting for your copies of the Stormlands books to arrive, I suppose) allow me to flog my latest. Cirsova Magazine Issue #23 is now available, and I have contributed a story.
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