Mystic Quest

6.75/10
We find mostly new characters and a time jump of 25 years in this second book of the Bronze Canticles trilogy; neither poses a problem in terms of the story but little is explained about what what has happened in the intervening years.
Strengths: The whole concept of the overlaying of three worlds occupying the same space, connected by the Dream and the Deep Magic/Sharajentei/Techomancy (human/fae/goblin forms of magic). None of the mystics who wield these powers really understand them but are learning to use them, not always wisely or for the greater good of all. A diverse cast of characters within each of the worlds. A complex plot laced with ambition, regret, secrets, fears, hopes, loyalty, and love. Some unique plot devices show more (the fae’s bubble beneath the sea, for example) and plot twists. Three climaxes (one per world).
Weakness: Over-reliance on some stereotypes/tropes. Characters who refuse to talk to each other when a bit of communication would certainly not only make sense but be realistically more likely to happen than not (looking at you, Caelith and Eryn, Caelith and Jorgan, really—Caelith and anyone!!). Not quite enough explanation of how/why Ekteia manipulated characters in all 3 worlds, unless it was just to create chaos and war. And if Ekteia and Hrea are 2 of the gods depicted in the statues in Calsandria, who is the 3rd statue? It is confusing who is depicted in the fresco as well.
Hoping book 3 ties up all the threads in a satisfying way. show less

The saga continues, in 3 stories again. Deals with a new set of people, mostly the children or relatives of those from Mystic Warrior. The human world is about a group of mystics trying to find the original city of the gods. The elven world is about a group trying to find an artifact in the capital city of the Kyree. The goblin story is about a goblin sent to spy out on a trollish city and discovers a whole library of books.

Overall, I actually liked this better than the first. More going on, and a better understanding of everything. Not sure how the 3 worlds coming together is going to work out, interesting to find out.

Twenty-three years have passed since Galen Arvad first exposed the deep magic—a power that spans three separate worlds. Now, that magic brings tragedy and darkness to the lives of all who wield it. Galen and his clans suffer an endless war in the realm of the dragonkings; a gruesome kingdom of the undead rises in the faery domain, and in the realm of the reanimated rusting titans, a tyrant goblin's lust for conquest goes unchecked. A new generation of heroes sets out on separate, life-changing journeys, and each will find their redemption may be beyond the power of magic.