Taylor's robust fourth Dreamer's Cycle novel (after 2008's Cry of Sorrow
) mixes Arthurian and Celtic mythology with magic, romance, scheming and treachery. Previously dealt a hard blow when warleader Havgan captured the powerful druids and bards of Y Dawnus, Arthur ap Uthyr, high king of Kymru, must free them or lose all hope of reuniting his kingdom. Havgan and his witchfinders, the wyrce-jaga, are doing their best to eradicate all magic users—except Havgan's beloved mistress, the Kymric witch Arianrod. The expanding conflict will pit sons against fathers, sunder lovers and challenge loyalties as hidden secrets seethe beneath brutal schemes and spilled blood. Though a large cast of characters, complex backstory and intricate webs of relationships make this epic Arthurian fantasy a demanding read, Taylor wraps things up neatly, leaving just enough loose ends for the next volume. (Nov.)
