Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
Format: Bargain Price
Label: Tor Books
Manufacturer: Tor Books
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 512
Printing Date: January 10, 2006
Publishing house: Tor Books
Release Date: January 10, 2006
Sale Popularity Level: 606880
Studio: Tor Books
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Marla Wolfblade of Hythria is determined to restore her family's great name, but conspirators surround her: the Sorcerers' Collective, the Patriots -- even members of her own family. She must make sure her son Damin lives to be old enough to restore the Wolfblade name to its former glory.
Elezaar the Dwarf is a small man with big secrets -- but that doesn't matter to Marla Wolfblade. Her brother is the High Prince of Hythria, and, in this fiercely patriarchal society, her fate will be decided on his whim. She needs someone politically astute to guide her through the maze of court politics -- and Elezaar the Dwarf knows more than he lets on.
As Elezaar teaches Marla the Rules of Gaining and Wielding Power, Marla starts on the road to becoming a tactician and a wily diplomat -- but will that be enough to keep her son alive?
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Rated by buyers -
As I sat and started to read this book, I found myself snuggling deeper into my comfy chair, asking my husband for a glass of wine and happy that the kids were occupied elsewhere. This is one of those fantasy books that is like comfort food. It is familiar, yummy, satisfying without being too heavy, and yet too much of it may not be very good for you.
It takes place in a typical fantasy setting, namely a vaguely medieval setting with royalty, sorcerers and a recognizable caste system. The ...more As I sat and started to read this book, I found myself snuggling deeper into my comfy chair, asking my husband for a glass of wine and happy that the kids were occupied elsewhere. This is one of those fantasy books that is like comfort food. It is familiar, yummy, satisfying without being too heavy, and yet too much of it may not be very good for you.
It takes place in a typical fantasy setting, namely a vaguely medieval setting with royalty, sorcerers and a recognizable caste system. The cast of characters are very approachable with cool names life Wolfblade, Lionsclaw, Ravenspear etc. There are a few plot surprises, plus some great moments of understated humour to keep the story moving along.
The main protagonist, Marla Wolfblade, is quite a nitwit in the beginning, but she is gifted with a calculating slave who wants to survive at all costs. He believes that making sure she learns political craft is the answer to both their continued survival. It is nice to see Marla's growing and learning process. Until the end where the reader sees how very much Marla has learned about the politics of survival.
And even though, Marla is clearly the main character, she doesn't carry the bulk of the book. The book boasts a large cast of characters who all plot for gain or survival. Even the main villain has a reason for the things they do that isn't necessarily all evil. I always like it when a villain isn't just there for the sake of villainy.
As i was reading the book, I couldn't help but be reminded of Raymond Feist/Janny Wurts' Empire trilogy that featured a character named Mara. The plot of a young member of a ruling house have to learn deadly state craft in order to survive runs strongly through both series. And I think that anyone who liked that one would like this one too.
Rated by buyers -
The infamous "Marla Wolfbane" had some very humble beginnings (other than being the high prince's sister).
Rated by buyers 
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again it started out a little slow but it kept my intrest. it is a little annoying in some area of the book, but i never lost interest, so that is why i gave it a 5 star.
Rated by buyers -
So I just discovered Jennifer Fallon with this being her very first book that I have ever read. Found it enjoyable---nice mix of fantasy and treachory with just a touch of the erotic thrown in here and there. I enjoyed it so much that I bought the second book in the triology the day after---which I found to be even better than the very first but you do need this one for background of the second. For an entertaining read, I would definitely reccomend.
Rated by buyers -
I'm disappointed with the reviewers who demonstrated little ability to appreciate good writing. This novel is just as good as all of Ms. Fallon's other titles. There is more political machinations than in her previous series, but it's just as absorbing. And frankly, comparing Lackey and Fallon is like apples and oranges. Both have their strong points. I think Fallon's work is deeper and the characters are more enmeshed in their worlds. Don't turn away from this book because of the rating. It is a fantastic book. All of Fallon's work shines above and beyond the typical fare of most fantasy out there. Fallon does an amazing job of surprising the reader.
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