History repeats itself.

This is the fourth and last volume in the Riftwar Saga (after Magician: Apprentice, Magician: Master and Silverthorn).

After another year of peace, Arutha and Anita are about to present their newly-born twins to their subjects when Arutha is victim of a new attack by the black Moredhel.

And while Arutha's party is starting a perilous journey northwards to confront his mysterious enemy Murmandamus, also meeting some old acquaintances on the way, Pug and Tomas travel through space and time on the back of a dragon in search of Macros the Black, as only the legendary magician can help them defeat the Enemy. Going backwards through time, they'll witness the very birth of the universe.

On one hand, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Arutha's tremendous adventures, especially the absolutely gripping siege and formidable battle of Armengar, and Jimmy and Locky are also great, loveable characters. But on the other hand, Pug's part, and in a way the unraveling of the whole saga, was a trifle too mystical and somewhat far-fetched for me. I cannot make up my mind as to what to think of this book.

The Wood Boy short story °°°°
Nice. (written on 28th March 2002)
This Rifwar Saga short story takes place in the first year of the Tsurani invasion and tells us about Dirk, a young lad living on a certain Lord Paul's estate. The lord's domain has just been requisitionned by a band of Tsurani and even though everyone is treated as a slave, life goes by. Until one cold winter day, Dirk wakes up to find out everyone has been murdered...

7/10