The Ruling Sea

Redick, Robert V.S. The Ruling Sea
Ballantine see Random 2009 616p 27.00
978-0-345-59885-0 hs/adult Fantasy E-BN
The saga, begun in The Red Wolf Conspiracy continues as the motley band of heroes and villains leave Simja and head for the unexplored Ruling Sea. Allegiances shift, new conspirators appear, and magic and mahem abound. Much like Catching Fire, this sequel admirably outshines the original, furthering the story and leaving the reader salivating for the continuation of the series. Like an onion, the characters become more layered. Allegiances shift, new comrades are found, and the palpable magic permeates the landscape. Redick is an amazing world builder, making the realm of Alfiros believable and exotic, with page-turning suspense, a wealth of nautical lore, and a shocking ending that will leave readers hanging and eagerly awaiting the third book.

This second volume in the Chathrand Voyage series stands completely on its own, with just enough back story to fill in any gaps, but readers who missed the first will want to pick it up to savor the initial installment. An amazing addition to both seafaring fiction and fantasy. It will be devoured by fans of both genres. One can only hope that the proposed remaining volumes, The River of Shadows and The Night of the Swarm are published soon (and are up to the standards of the first two).
Highly recommended fantasy series for older readers. While there is nothing that is unacceptable for middle school audiences, the scope and lyrical language of the book will appeal to high school readers and adults. Naismith(3), Pat
Seafaring Fantasy

Redick, Robert V.S. The Red Wolf Conspiracy.

Redick, Robert V.S. The Red Wolf Conspiracy.
DelRay see Random 2008 450p 26.00 978-0-345-50883-6 hs/adult

A ship’s boy with a magical talent, a feisty and reluctant bride, traitors and friends all converge on the gigantic ship Chathrand. What begins as a diplomatic mission ends in a conflict between empires, as well as the forces of good and evil. First in a trilogy of sword and sorcery fantasy novels by Reddick, this beginning leaves the reader salivating for more. A fully-realized fantasy world, conflict between adjacent empires, intrigue, a little hint of romance, traitors, tiny warriors, sentient animals, and magic all contribute to make this debut an absolute page-turner.

Set in a maritime world, aboard the city-sized ship, Chathrand, this novel begins with Pavel, son of a traitor to the empire, a ship’s boy, set to sail aboard the mighty ship. Pavel hides a magical ability which reveals itself in ensuing chapters. Reddick then proceeds to people the ship with Thasha, the bride set to unite the empires, Fedthrup, a talking rat, the devious captain, tiny Ixchel warriors, and passengers who are more than they appear.

The Red Wolf of the title is an artifact, which, when recovered holds the Nilstone, a magical talisman of untold power. Deceit and intrigue, violence and friendship, and many layers of character make this novel reminiscent of George R. R. Martin, Anthony Durham and Philip Pullman. The only downside is that the ending leaves the readers up in the air. One of best fantasy novels of the year. PN