Immortalis

April 21, 2003
Bestseller Salvatore brings his second DemonWars Trilogy to a credible if predictable conclusion, shifting from Behren, a land rocked by religious crises and internal warfare in the previous volume (2002's Transcendence), to the neighboring kingdom of Honce-the-Bear. Young King Aydrian Boudabras, encouraged in his ambitions by oracular visions, works to stabilize his shaky throne in Honce-the-Bear and consolidate his hold over both regions. His almost supernatural charm and intelligence, as well as his impressive skill with magical gemstones, seem to be enough to win Aydrian not only these prizes but also leadership over the powerful Abellican Church with the aid of Abbots Olin and De'Unnero. The forces arraying themselves against his efforts are impressive, however, including Jilseponie, his mother and a powerful gemstone-wielder in her own right, and the combined kingdoms of the Touel'alfar and Doc'alfar elves. Aydrian's character is developed almost too well, as shown in his abrupt and unconvincing awakening from demonic possession. At least some of the major characters appear to be properly dead by book's end, though with Salvatore's penchant for zombie-raising and narrow escapes, one never can tell. His legions of fans will certainly snap this one up, but it's unlikely to make any converts.

Starred review from April 15, 2003
Using his estranged mother Jilseponie's reputation and royal title to seize the throne of the kingdom of Honce the Bear for himself, the elven-raised Aydrian Boudebras launches his campaign of world conquest. As his power grows, so does his opposition, which includes his childhood friend Brynn Dharielle, now a leader of her own people, the elven ranger Belli'mar Juraviel, and Aydrian's own mother, who desperately tries to reclaim the son stolen from her at birth. A satisfying tale of personal responsibility, forgiveness, and redemption, this conclusion to the second "DemonWars" trilogy features strong, memorable characters and superb plotting and storytelling. Along with series predecessors Ascendance and Transcendence, this is Salvatore's best work yet. Highly recommended for most fantasy collections.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2003
Jilseponie Wyndon is no longer Queen of Ursal. Her newly rediscovered, totally unscrupulous son, Aydrian, has usurped the throne. In alliance with the unscrupulous, perhaps even demon-possessed weretiger and Abellican priest Marcallo De'Unnero, Aydrian sets out to conquer the world, initially without any scruples as to who gets killed in the process. But the alliance begins to fray as De'Unnero realizes that his protege is more magically potent and ruthless than he is, and as opposition grows stronger, despite bloody defeats. When some of the elves who trained Aydrian join the opposition, and Jilseponie rides out to save her son from his own worst impulses, De'Unnero's defeat is clearly inevitable. But it doesn't come about without enough suspense and suffering to generate a catharsis almost worthy of such a long tale. Salvatore and his formidable female protagonist may not get the critical acclaim they deserve, so may the praise of pleased readers compensate in some considerable measure. The sixth and concluding volume of Demonwars maintains the saga's position as Salvatore's major work to date.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)