Friday, June 27, 2014

Review: _The Wizard's Treasure_ by Irene Radford

Many Fantasy books are part of a series. Some are good, extending the story to new ground, and some are rehashes of the same story over again, which can frustrate readers. _The Wizard’s Treasure_ by Irene Radford is an entertaining book that keeps the reader interested until the end. It is the fourth book in the “Dragon Nimbus” series. This book has an interesting plot, likable characters and strong world building.

Taking place around the same time as the third book, this one introduces two new characters into the conflict. Robb and Marcus are journeyman mages sent to bring back the dragons to the kingdom of Coronnan. They take shelter during a storm in an abandoned monastery to become trapped by an ancient spell curse. Other sub-plots include a missing queen with amnesia, an evil sorceress pursuing her father and a man trying to get back his son. Ms. Radford blends the plot elements into an adventurous mix that leads to a satisfying conclusion.

The author also populated her book with likable characte rs that keeps a reader hooked in the story. Marcus and Robb work their way through a difficult problem to find their own way to their coming of age. They do this by having a strong friendship and through teamwork. A new woman character is introduced with Vareena. She is loyally devoted to helping the trapped victims in the monastery, but longs to be free to start a new life elsewhere. In addition, the Rovers from a gypsy-like culture add a humorous and colorful element to the story. All of the characters are realistic and likable due to the author’s vivid descriptions of their interactions.

Lastly, strong world building is an important skill for a Fantasy author to bring their worlds to life. Ms. Radford has such skill for this series. Her setting of Coronn an is well developed with its cultures, politics and everything else. There is one kingdom that has destroyed its environment. The city of Hanassa has a population of rogue mages and criminals living in the caverans of its ancient volcano. All magic users have their own university and rules in the use of magic. This author weaves these and other elements to create a detailed world that appears realistic, keeping a reader engrossed in the book.

_The Wizard’s Treasure_ by Irene Radford is an entertaining book and fourth in the “Dragon Nimbus” series. The author creates a captivating book with an interesting plot, likable characters and strong world building. This keeps this series book intriguing for the reader through lively descriptions and plenty of adventure. It is an enjoyable book for readers.

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