Author: Marianne Curley
Cover Artist: Ian Butterworth
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Binding: Paperback
Publication Date: October 2003
The story begins with the battle at the end of the first book. Lathenia, leader of the Order, is watching the defeat of Mardukes and her soldiers. She vows revenge on the Guard and gives one of her loyal soldiers the task of finding the name of the one who defeated her love, Mardukes.
The story then moves on 12 months, were it catches up with Ethan, Isobel and her brother Matt during a training session. During this session Isobel discovers her new gift, seeing visions of the future, when she predicts a strange storm to erupt on the mountain above them.
12 months has seen Lathenia winning more wars in the past, and the Guard loosing soldiers. These looses mean the present is changed and the Guard’s fear there is a spy among them. During Isobel’s first mission with Akarian, the Order attack and take him prisoner. Determined to rescue him from the Underworld Isobel defies the Guard’s Leader and risks her life to gain access to the Underworld and rescue Akarian.
Personal Thoughts –
The first person writing style in this series is a little difficult to follow, especially as the POV changes quite often, with these changes comes some confusing. I found if I hadn’t realised which characters name headed a chapter I became confused at to whom was telling the story. I find Akarian as become my favourite character so it was interesting find out about his past and his origins.
During Akarian’s imprisonment, in the Underworld, the description of his torture and ill treatment felt unrealistic. His reactions to his injuries were brushed over and I felt this may be due to the story being written for young adult. There are violent elements to the story, which are not graphically detailed; however in an effort to stay within boundaries for very YA this does make these parts of the story a bit lame. Personally writing the story for the teens age range would of added an element of realism that I feel is required.
The romantic interest between Isobel and Akarian lends purpose to the plot and how the story unfolds. In the first book Akarian discovers he is Isobel’s soul-mate, of which she is unaware. Her strong feelings drive her into dangerous situations and I found these scenes the most interesting. There is also a nice sense of tension due to the distrust among the Guard, regarding a spy in their mist. The spy remains undiscovered so that leaves a loose thread to follow into the next book.
I liked the imagination of the Underworld with its strange creatures. The main characters faced the biggest and most exciting situations whilst lost in the Underworld, in their attempts to rescue Akarian.
