Reviewer: Robyn Roberts
Title: In Stone’s Clasp - Second in the Final Dance Series, but stands alone.
Author: Christie Golden
Publisher: Luna Books
ISBN: 0-373-80229-3
Release Date: September 2005
Genre/Sub-genre: Fantasy Romance
Year/Setting: Land of Lamal, no dates given
Overall rating: 4.75
Sexual content rating: Subtle
Christie's Website:
www.christiegolden.com
Flame Dancer Kevla of Arukan seeks the missing elements — Stone and Sea, Wind and Soul — that must join to preserve their world from destruction. Sensing that the Stone Dancer, the master of Earth magic, would be found in the icy north, she and her dragon companion fly to a country mired in an unnaturally long winter.
When at last they find Jareth, the Stone Dancer's own anger and pain make him reluctant to accept his destiny. His need for vengeance against the old gods who betrayed his people is powerful — powerful enough to lead the group farther into the snows, searching for the legendary Ice Maiden, who may be responsible for the forced winter. But betrayal doesn't come only from the gods — and the forces against them are vast. Before their quest is over, Kevla must realize that while Flame can break through the chill of the winter, Stone can withstand anything….
Ms. Golden creates for us a world similar to our own, but different enough to be interesting. I am sure you, too, will be reminded of areas on earth that resemble the land of Arukan and Lamal, yet intrigued by the differences as well. This is her second book of the Final Dance series. In the first book, we met Kelva of Arukan who is the Flame Dancer. I had read that book but it’s been a while. I didn’t remember many details, but that didn’t matter. I applaud Ms. Golden for the way she brings new readers up to date without boring existing series readers. I will warn readers that when reading a fantasy novel set in a fictitious land, the first couple of chapters are a little slower in reading as you learn about this new land. Once I got past that initial curve, I had trouble putting the book down. Each page was bittersweet for me because I loved the book so much that I didn’t want it to end. Yet, I sped through the pages and find myself anxiously awaiting the next book.
There are lots of twists and turns in the plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. It was more exciting than a roller coaster ride. I was so sure I had several things figured out for myself---boy was I ever wrong! The romance of this book is very subtle. Kelva and Jareth are the main characters, but don’t have much romance. The romance is with the others and with the Flame and Stone that they embody.
Two technical things I want to make sure you know about are the Cast of Characters at the beginning of the book and the Glossary at the end of the book. I didn’t realize there was a Glossary for the first portion of the book. It was immensely helpful when I discovered it. Check there if you can’t remember who or what the words you are reading mean. It makes the learning curve go a lot faster.
I thoroughly enjoyed the second story in the series and look forward to the next book. If you haven’t read fantasy novels before, I found this one to be an excellent start. It’s familiar enough to feel like a normal novel, but gives a wonderful insight into the fantasy genre. I was happy to have a fantasy novel that didn’t involve vampires or werewolves. Ms. Golden’s book, In Stone’s Clasp was a welcome diversion and a great second installment in her Final Dance series.
Robyn
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