Helen Lowe's brilliance in plotting, character building and
writing shines through in DAUGHTER OF BLOOD, the third
installment in her epic fantasy series, The Wall of
Night.
Lowe introduces a slew of new characters, but at least for
this reader, they never overwhelm or confuse. For some, it
might be easiest to create a list as you read rather than
searching through the glossary for answers. Lowe's world of
Haarth is spectacularly well-developed considering its
complex and labyrinthine scope.
Malian and Kalan both plan to return to the Wall, the
question is if they can accomplish what they need to before
the Darkswarm overpowers all of Haarth. Kalan returns to
the House of Blood to try to win a place in the bride honor
guard for the daughter contracted to marry the Earl of
Night
to further her family's ambition. Myr, or Lady Mouse as
she's known to those who adore her, doesn't have the
weapons ability of her family and is disparaged by most of
them, but she has a talent for healing and courage and
strength all her own.
Malian searches for the Shield of Heaven and flees from
Darkswarm threats on all sides. And we learn more of her
traveling companion as well. An orphan boy in Grayharbor
has an encounter with dark forces of his own and may not
survive to play his role. Lowe also lets us meet members of
the Darkswarm, getting a look at things from their side
which is intriguing.
I'm definitely prejudiced when it comes to this epic
fantasy series as it's one of my favorites of all time. I
will say that if you're going to read it, you need to start
with the first book and read through. Starting with
DAUGHTER OF BLOOD
will leave you confused and frustrated. Lowe's story grows
as the series progresses with layers of knowledge, secrets
and betrayals. The story contains a lot of different
threads and twists and surprises, but all of the puzzle
pieces fit together and nothing is out of place. And that's
just one of the reasons she's a master storyteller.
Lowe's prose has a haunting, lyrical quality, which
naturally emerges from her ability as a poet. She draws
readers into her world in a way that it feels more like
experiencing things along with the characters rather than
reading about them. My only quibble is how long I'll have
to wait for the final book in this transcendent series.
Malian of Night and Kalan, her trusted ally, are returning to the Wall of Night—but already it may be too late. The Wall is dangerously weakened, the Nine Houses of the Derai fractured by rivalry and hate. And now, the Darkswarm is rising . . . Among Grayharbor backstreets, an orphan boy falls foul of dark forces. On the Wall, a Daughter of Blood must be married off to the Earl of Night, a pawn in the web of her family's ambition. On the Field of Blood, Kalan fights for a place in the bride's honor guard, while Malian dodges deadly pursuers in a hunt against time for the fabled Shield of Heaven. But the Darkswarm is gaining strength, and time is running out—for Malian, for Kalan, and for all of Haarth . . .