The Binder's Road (sequel to Illumination) by Terry McGarry
01/11/2003 . Source: Lucy A.E. Ward 
pub: TOR books. 508 page hardback. Price: $27.95 (US), $38.95 (CAN). ISBN: 0-765-30428-7. Buy from Amazon US - Buy from Amazon UK
nb: US titles may only be available from Amazon US, and UK titles from Amazon UK. check
out website: www.tor.com
I am always wary of sequels, particularly
if I haven't read all preceding novels. Another factor that makes
my heart sink when I approach a fantasy tome is the use of maps
or glossaries to explain oblique references - this book contains
both.
A third aspect that never fails to rile me is the over-use of apostrophes
in fantastical names: an exemplary character from this book is Evrael n'Daivor
l'Naeve te Khine. Considering these preferences, it is fair to say I was shocked
by how much I enjoyed 'The Binder's Road'.
 The
story begins with a small boy assisting the flight of a group of
tortured mages in a dream. Some important concepts are introduced
quickly, such as the land's former tyrants - the Ennead - and the
mysterious 'bonefolk' who gather the dead. Next, a scholar discovers
an immense secret hidden in an ancient codex and races to share
it with advisor Jhoss n'Kall. It does not reach him.
The tale
flips between several story threads from the start, making it somewhat difficult
to understand the relevance of certain scenes on a small scale. Stick with it
though, as the big picture makes sense of it, explaining all the backstory you
require to be drawn into this struggle for supremacy and revelation.
Six
years have passed since Torrin Illuminator banished the Light from Eiden Myr,
rendering the Ennead's magecraft useless in a suicidal attempt to destroy them.
This unintentionally broke the warding that hid Eiden Myr from the outer realms
and a shield of warriors was formed to stand on all coasts, ready to defend against
invasion. Add to this paranoia, a society formed around magic trying to adjust
to existence without enchantment and you have a sure formula for civil unrest.
Disease is virulent and widespread. Droughts and floods are devastating
crops, causing mass starvation. Earthquakes and decay are destroying homes, leaving
refugees clustering around major cities. Without the ruling Ennead, a power vacuum
has formed and, with the prophesied invasion being slow to materialise, the ambitious
are beginning to dream of leadership.
The main characters are wonderfully
portrayed: 'wordsmith' and over-protective mother Dabrena, the three tatty orphans,
charming Jack-of-all-trades Louarn and the warrior-drunk-anarchist Kazhe. The
main focus is on the 'good guys' however and there is a disappointing lack of
strong villainy here. There are also some quite important characters whose
motivations are scarcely explored, presumably survivors from the first book reappearing
in supporting roles - Verlain, Benkana, Pelkin, Evrael, Jhoss, Yuralon and Risalyn,
etc. Having said this, the characters that receive attention are excellently three-dimensional,
most possessing rampant personal insecurities. The three impoverished,
secretive sisters - Pelufer, Elora and Caille - are the undeniable stars of the
novel and their lively interchange is compelling. While they bicker, struggle
and compete, their underlying sibling bond remains warmly convincing.
If
you enjoyed David Edding's 'Belgariad' or David Gemmell's 'Drenai' series, you
will probably enjoy this book. Although a sequel, it stands alone as a good read
with interesting characters, mass battle, political intrigue and powerful magic
elements. At conclusion, all storylines raised in 'The Binder's Road' are
satisfactorily settled and the overall Eiden Myr context is set to progress well
in the next novel. While it may not be top-level literature, it is a successful
and entertaining tale.
Lucy Ward 
|
