Bonds of Vengeance

Civil war between the Qirsi people and the dominant Eandi race slowly ignites in Coe's intricate third entry in his Winds of the Forelands fantasy series (after 2003's Seeds of Betrayal). The wizard known as the ""Weaver"" heads the Qirsi movement to take back the Forelands from the Eandi, who have ruled the country for nine centuries. Opposing the power-obsessed Weaver is Grinsa jal Arriet, a Qirsi gleaner, who dedicates himself to preserving the peace between the two races. While Grinsa has his hands full trying to rescue his distrustful lover, Cresenne, and their newborn child from the Weaver's web, as well as protecting Tavis, a young Eandi royal, talky subplots and frequent shifts of view among the huge cast of characters slow the pace. The action finally picks up after Grinsa uncovers the Weaver's true identity. The notion of a charismatic leader who directs his followers by ""turning"" them to his will via dream telepathy gives this series an evocative edge, though little attention is paid to how this magic works. Readers unfamiliar with the story so far might wish they had a scorecard.