From Publishers Weekly
This surprisingly toothless final volume of the Dragon Star fantasy trilogy (after The Dragon Token ) reads more like a melodramatic Russian play than like an epic adventure tale. Pol, sorcerer and High Prince of the Desert, must come to terms with his fanatical cousin Andry, High Lord of Goddess Keep, so the two can pool their magic and influence to defeat a barbarian horde that threatens their people. While Pol and Andry strike an uneasy truce in Pol's castle, surrounded by the intrigues and agonizing of their friends and relations, far away the High Warlord of the barbarians holds Pol's wife and child hostage. The major characters languish passively in their lush surroundings while the reader learns of desperate battles for survival through occasional off-stage reports, a device that makes the entire conflict seem unreal. Rawn writes fluidly and creates reasonably complete characters, but there's not enough action to justify the book's excessive length. The tragic climax, when it comes at last, is lost amid the general angst suffered continuously by all. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
With his wife and daughter held captive by the invading army of Vellant'im, High Prince Pol is forced to put aside his old antipathies and accept the help of his cousin Andry, the Lord of Goddess Keep. This conclusion to the second trilogy set in Rawn's world of Sunrunner magic continues the skillful plotting and complex relationships outlined in previous novels. Epic in scope, with a large cast of vivid characters, this belongs in most fantasy collections.Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

ANNOTATION

In the first two novels of the bestselling Dragon Star trilogy, the peaceful reign of High Prince Rohan was shattered by a mysterious invasion force which began a devastating campaign against the people of the Desert and the Sunrunners. And now, this magnificent epic is brought to a dramatic close.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

This surprisingly toothless final volume of the Dragon Star fantasy trilogy (after The Dragon Token ) reads more like a melodramatic Russian play than like an epic adventure tale. Pol, sorcerer and High Prince of the Desert, must come to terms with his fanatical cousin Andry, High Lord of Goddess Keep, so the two can pool their magic and influence to defeat a barbarian horde that threatens their people. While Pol and Andry strike an uneasy truce in Pol's castle, surrounded by the intrigues and agonizing of their friends and relations, far away the High Warlord of the barbarians holds Pol's wife and child hostage. The major characters languish passively in their lush surroundings while the reader learns of desperate battles for survival through occasional off-stage reports, a device that makes the entire conflict seem unreal. Rawn writes fluidly and creates reasonably complete characters, but there's not enough action to justify the book's excessive length. The tragic climax, when it comes at last, is lost amid the general angst suffered continuously by all. (Feb.)

Library Journal

With his wife and daughter held captive by the invading army of Vellant'im, High Prince Pol is forced to put aside his old antipathies and accept the help of his cousin Andry, the Lord of Goddess Keep. This conclusion to the second trilogy set in Rawn's world of Sunrunner magic continues the skillful plotting and complex relationships outlined in previous novels. Epic in scope, with a large cast of vivid characters, this belongs in most fantasy collections.

BookList - Sally Estes