SPECTYR, the second book in Philippa Ballantine's Book of the Order series, has Deacons Sorcha Faris and Merrick Chambers chasing down rumors of geists and such rather than actually fighting the demons from which their Order protects humans. But the new Abbot doesn't like them, so they have to trick their way onto an assignment to get out of Vermillion, the Imperial capital. Their job is to escort an ambassador back to the desert land of Chioma, home to the princess whom the Emperor plans to wed. For Sorcha and Merrick though, there's another mission. Raed, the Young Pretender and Sorcha's love interest, is in trouble. The Emperor's sister thinks she's given life to a goddess, but instead it's a geistlord, who is bound and determined to kill the Young Pretender once and for all. You'll have to read the book to see how this adventure plays out, but there are some surprises and lots of action.

While much of this book seems similar to Geist, Ballantine is a strong enough writer to pull it off. There are, however, a few plot twists that don't have the foreshadowing necessary to make them work well, but other than that, this is a terrific read that will keep one turning pages as fast as possible. Ballantine sends one of the Deacons back in time which gives readers a chance to understand the Order prior to that of Sorcha and Merrick.

Ballantine's characters ring true for the most part, and she handles their growth and transformations with aplomb. She also has a terrific talent for dialogue that rarely sounds stilted.

The runes aren't used as much in this book as in Geist, but she still places emphasis on why a sensitive like Merrick and an active like Sorcha must work together to succeed. Merrick doesn't have the ability to fight as well on his own, and Sorcha can't "see" without Merrick's gifts. For fans of fast-paced fantasy in well-developed worlds, Ballantine's series is a must read. I'm looking forward to the third book, Wrayth, and I've heard there will be a fourth title as well.