Book Review: Battleaxe

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Battleaxe     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Sara Douglass
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Series: Axis Trilogy / Wayfarer Redemption (books 1-3) # 1
Tor, Mar 2001, $24.95, 448 pp.

Fearing the return of Gorgrael and his icy minions that feed on human flesh, Duke Borneheld leads the Kingdom of Anchar's army into battle. At the same the King sends Borneheld's half-brother Axis to find some texts that might tell how to defeat the powerful Ice Lord. Borneheld's fiancée, Faraday, accompanies Axis on his quest. On their trek to find the ancient tomes, Faraday and Axis fall in love. Meanwhile she begins to learn more of the truth about her people after years of believing lies. She knows her love for Axis is forbidden and that the truth about her people is also taboo. Either event means certain death.

Gorgrael realizes that Axis is the bigger threat so sends his troops to kill him. However, Axis discovers a prophecy that if true could save the kingdom. Faraday realizes she is a key player if the prophecy is to occur, but Gorgrael is devious and deadly, and her betrothed may prove likewise too.

THE WAYFARER REDEMPTION: BATTLEAXE is an exciting fantasy epic that is like the beginning of a roller coaster ride. It goes up the incline ever so slow but at the apex, it takes off like the speed of light. The story line is well written and the characters including the Ice Lord seem genuine. Fans of epic fantasy will find Sara Douglass' first tale in her new series (first published in Australia in 1995) to be quite good and will want future tales released rather quickly.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner