Book Review: Circle At Center

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Circle At Center     Amazon US PB Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada TPB
Douglas Niles
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Series: Seven Circles Trilogy # 1
Ace, Jun 2000, $13.00, 400 pp.

Everyone knows their place in the magic spheres of the seven realms, especially those residing in the fourth circle of Nayve, the center of all life. There, nothing changes as people live in peace and harmony for long periods. Elves, fairies, centaurs, and Druids work together to keep their world safe and secure. The beings of Nayve feel pity towards those residents of the seventh circle dubbed Earth where a violent race delights in killing one another.

After millenniums of peace, dramatic change comes to Nayve. Ironically, a warrior from the seventh sphere is called upon to teach the residents of the fourth circle the art of war. Some of the locals have come under the influence of a religious fanatic who wants to destroy anyone who fails to accept the true Saviour. Serenity has been destroyed, perhaps forever.

Douglas Niles is a master of creating strange and unique fantasy realms that make readers believe in the unbelievable. The creation of myth and legend on the earth take a realistic stance in this novel. The various characters contain personalities unique to their “species” adding to the overall feel of authenticity. CIRCLE AT CENTER is a special work with a strong appeal to fantasy lovers who will look forward to the two other books that complete the “Seven Circles” trilogy.

Harriet Klausner

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