Picking up immediately where A Cast of Stones left off, this sequel exceeds its predecessor on many counts. The stakes are clearly articulated, the characters better drawn, and the plot developed in a stronger, more engaging direction. Yet overall structural weaknesses rob it from inspiring the tight dramatic tension the author so clearly wants to communicate.
In this second adventure of Errol Stone, he and his friends are faced with the consequences of their actions. Errol himself is sent to finish the job he only just began to rid the kingdom of its greatest foe, reuniting him with many of the companions he acquired in his previous journey. The trio of Martin, Luis, and Cruk are dispatched in secret to their former country abode, both to keep them safe from political enemies and to spy out further intel on the potential heirs of the realm.
Errol is no longer the drunk we first met, and his maturity matches the novel's more able footing. He shows the ability to gain new skills and allies. But like the book itself, Errol stumbles in puzzling, often bewildering ways. A misstep in plans or inexperience leading his fellow soldiers is to be expected at this stage in the character's development. Leaving his armed company for the sake of some entertainment at the local tavern, something he's never expressed any interest in before, smells of cheap theatrics, especially when he's soon ambushed by antagonists who are not introduced earlier or mentioned ever again.
The journey of Martin the priest is handled better. This time around the reader is allowed to follow him, Luis, and Cruk through their travels, and seeing the events through their experienced eyes adds depth and meaning to the already richly creative world. Here author Patrick Carr shines, pushing both his characters and readers to reexamine their assumptions as he introduces new mysteries, wrestling with very meaty spiritual questions. I'd have loved for this part of the story to go on longer, really pursuing the ideas brought forward.
Erroll is given many layered conflicts to wrestle with. There's his potential relationship with the princess and heir to the throne, his spiritual questions regarding destiny, and the hint of discovering his true identity. Any of these ideas, if fully explored and given the time to develop, might have raised this book to a grand level of storytelling.
Unfortunately we're not given that treat, as the book skips abruptly into a swords and daggers climax. This structure damages the overall plot as all previously introduced complications and antagonists are whisked away, to be replaced by a new setting, new characters, and a brand new villain. Before we have a chance to properly engage with any of these ideas, the big showdown arrives. The small emotional reveals tossed along the way added some flavor but no true zest.
I enjoyed this second book better than the first, and recommend it as a casually fun reading experience. But you may be as frustrated as I that such a creatively brilliant premise isn't getting the equally excellent execution it deserves.
This review is also posted on Goodreads, Amazon, and Speculative Faith. I received a Paperback copy courtesy of the publisher as part of the INSPY book contest. The cover was designed by Lookout Design, Inc. The book is currently available from Bethany House as a Paperback ($14.99) and eBook ($7.99).
