CITY OF ICE

The chase after an evil sorcerer who is gathering up the scattered parts of a scarily powerful magical bow continues in this sequel to City of Fire (2009).

As the bad guy, Roland, and his dragon, Badik, don’t show up until near the end and then only for a few moments the central plotline takes a back seat to the ongoing squabbles of the motley group of pursuers. The chase takes place in a world populated by figures from world mythology and Yep’s imagination in such hordes that they seem to outnumber its human population. Riding a sky raft driven by an amusingly boastful wind spirit, young Scirye and companions (which range from her fierce lap griffin and a self-absorbed, shapechanging badger to a maternal dragon and a troubled street youth) fly to the Arctic city of Novia Hafnia and the frozen wastes beyond, encountering wonder upon wonder along the way. Because even in the midst of battle and disaster the author always allows his characters time to marvel and exchange repartee, this won’t hold much appeal for readers after tightly woven, suspenseful tales.

Readers who enjoy inner conflicts, barbed dialogue, casts replete with supernatural creatures and fantasy epics that don’t take themselves too seriously will find it a treat.