I read the first book in this series a goodly many years ago, and the second and third have been sitting on my shelf ever since. The second is set before the first, giving the backstory behind Bridget, the protagonist in book one: The Sorcerer's Treason (which I am re-reading now) as such it seems a strange book to have as number #2 in the series. Ultimately, reading them around the other way makes more sense - although perhaps it spoils a few of the twists in the first one? I cannot remember, I shall let you know when I review #1 at a later date.

Usurper's Crown is a massive book - vastly dwarfing the relatively slender book three. All have beautiful covers and are written in deliciously evocative prose. The characters are well described and well developed. The politics are intricate and interesting and the plot seems to be very well thought out. All in all, an excellent piece of political fantasy, which sits well with the likes of Robin Hobb. ( )

Good enough to make up for being a prequel ( )

In this second instalment of the Isavalta trilogy the reader now travels back to the events alluded to in the first book and which formed the basis of that story. The Usurper’s Crown responds to, and answers, many of these issues constantly touched upon but not resolved satisfactorily, to my mind at least, in A Sorcerer’s Treason.

The storyline alternates between events in the kingdom of Isavalta and the shores of Sand Island, Wisconsin; in the former the sorcerer Avanasy has been banished by the High Princess Medeoan and thus exiles himself to the relative safety of the latter. As the conspiracies in the affairs of the court in Isavalta develop, at the same time we are introduced to Ingrid Loftfield and her family, a world away. Ingrid’s life, as the oldest daughter of a fisherman's family in Eastbay, is fairly unremarkable and her only concern has been whether to accept a neighbour, Everett Lederle, as her husband. When her sister Grace becomes under thrall to a ghost and is rescued by Avan, the new man in the community, Ingrid’s sensibilities are upturned and her life forever changed, as she ties herself irrevocably to the destiny of this man she comes to love. Despite both Ingrid and Avanasy desiring nothing more than to build a simple life together as a married couple, consequences in both worlds conspire against them, and result in Ingrid accompanying Avanasy back to Isavalta in a desperate bid to save Medeoan and her empire.

The interesting thing I found about this book was that, even though I already knew what was to occur – disclosed in the first book – I still needed to know more as the story unfolded. I wanted the particulars; I required causes and consequences be enlarged, despite already knowing the upshot, and I still hoped that maybe the final outcome could change from what was first revealed. I found I was muttering to myself as I read: ‘ooh-ing and ah-ing’ as my suspicions were confirmed and important details of the story finally clarified.

Nevertheless there is more to unveil. Now enlightened and up-to-date with the origins of Bridget’s life, and to her plight at the end of the first book, there are many more questions still needing to be answered – and no more foretelling with which to tantalise and torment. Except for Baba Yaga, and the Vixen, and…so many more.

Sarah Zettel again creates a clever, interesting and vibrant world of fantasy. The dramatic descriptions of the powers and sorceries availed in this world offer a unique viewpoint and an alluring stance in this rich and flamboyant tale. Quite exceptional and decidedly distinctive; I look forward immensely to the last book.

(Mar 24, 2008) ( )

An interesting read, more politics and complications with it. Characters are beginning to find their feet. Would be interested in reading the next one but there's no urge to put it on my wishlist. ( )

I read this book a long time ago. I have no urge to read it again, so it will be removed from the shelves and its joy passed along to those who will read it over and over. ( )