Product Description

The Archipelago is still plagued by dragons and its peoples live in terror of their coming. Kheda, Risala and Velindre chase rumours of a water dragon, as they alone have gathered secrets of how to repel these fearsome beasts. Yet this has won them no friends as they are forced to travel incognito, their lives at risk. The delicate political balance of the islands teeters as rival factions spar and warfare threatens. Kheda is reluctantly drawn into the fray as his dragon fighting powers become a powerful political tool - but he and his companions are tainted by the suspicion of forbidden magic. This places them in great danger but also has wider implications for the power structure of the islands. Kheda's contact with northern magic has caused him to doubt the very foundations of his people's ancient beliefs, placing his future as a warlord in doubt and the making the succession of his realm a dark and bloody question ...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #195959 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 608 pages

About the Author
Juliet McKenna previously worked as a bookseller but is now a full-time writer. She lives with her family in Oxfordshire.

Customer Reviews

Here there be dragons
There's not much that's new in the final chapter of this series, however McKenna works hard to ensure readers will see it through. Without any preamble the central characters are found engaging another dragon. The early action sequence sets the scene for a dragon filled final chapter, in which power struggles come to a head between man and beast, as well as a clash between kingdoms. What sounds like an epic end to the series is marred by a complicated series of political wranglings and redundant filler. McKenna's action sequences are well detailed and vividly written, fortunately enough to carry the attention, although the end is a welcome relief. The Compass series offer a fresh scenario and that alone ensures they are a recommended read, although McKenna's style is not emotive or creative enough to stand tall alongside the fantasy greats.