Sword of Fire and Sea

April 25, 2011
A merchant captain and a priestess stumble into a web of politics, magic, and ambition in this likable high seas fantasy adventure debut. Long ago, the goddess of Chaos was locked away, and most people think that was a good thing. But magic has been fading from the world, children of mixed magical bloodlines have been dying of a mysterious disease, and Capt. Vidarian can hear the goddess begging to be released. Thanks to an accident of heritage, only he can hear and free herâor decide to make her imprisonment eternal. The characters are personable and well written, and the plot moves along almost too quickly, with almost no setting or wider world-building to speak of. The straightforward story will appeal to adult and young adult readers looking for high fantasy without the fancy language or cast of thousands.

June 15, 2011

Capt. Vidarian Rulorat, the last surviving member of a family descended from a marriage that blended the elemental magic of water and fire and doomed future generations to a rare disease, courts dangers from many sides when he agrees to escort fire priestess Ariadel to a water temple in the southern part of the world. Pirates and inclement weather are the least of their problems as rogue telepaths seek to kidnap the priestess and creatures from a forgotten time return to the skies of the world. This series debut by video game designer Hoffman features well-drawn characters, both human and mythical. VERDICT Introducing a world of elemental magic, intelligent gryphons, and warring forces, this fantasy adventure is suitable for both YA and adult readers.

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