Book Review: Covenants

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Covenants     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Lorna Freeman
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Series: BorderLands
Roc, May 2004, $6.99, 416 pp.

Once the magicals (sprites, dragons, fairies, etc.) lived in Iversterre until the humans pushed them into the Borderlands. When the humans encroached upon the Border and committed crimes against its inhabitants, the magicals soundly defeated them in a war. The peace treaty was signed and the magicals receded into legend until a Faena, a sentient mountain cat, makes contact with the horse soldier Rabbit, lost with his troops in the mountains. Rabbit enters into a covenant with the Faena.

The Faena Laurel desires a meeting with the Iversterre King in the hopes of avoiding another war between the Borderlands and the humans. Smugglers and slaves are kidnapping or killing the magicals and smuggling their remains into Iversterre. The Faena chose Rabbit to play a role in the upcoming events because he has lived in the Borderlands for much of his life and is related to the king. Once it is discovered that all of Laurel’s claims are true, the king, when not putting down a coup or dealing with evil sorcerers, comes to terms with the Faena. They return to the Borderlands hoping to forge a permanent peace, but first must deal with treachery from within their own ranks.

In addition to all his other roles, Rabbit is a mage who has just come into his powers and he uses them to stop the king’s enemies and to battle with a sorcerer who is determined to see his mission fail. Readers will adore this fascinating hero who just wants to be an ordinary foot soldier but is thrust by fate into being the savior of two realms. COVENANTS is a delightful and enthralling fantasy written by an author who excels at world building.

Harriet Klausner

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