The Still

Popular SF author Feintuch (The Seafort Saga) makes his fantasy debut with this adept tale of sword and sorcery. When the queen of the Kingdom of Caledon dies, her son, the spoiled Prince Rodrigo, eagerly anticipates ascending the throne and gaining control of the Still, a mystical device that gives the ruler--who must be pure of body and heart--enchanted powers. But Rodrigo's selfish desire is dashed by his uncle, who assumes control of Caledon's ruling council, and by an attack on the family's fortress by Tantroth, Duke of Eiber, that Rodrigo escapes, along with his friend Rustin and a younger prince and his nurse. While Feintuch's narrative is compelling and charged with plenty of action, the pace occasionally sputters from prolonged and unnecessary exposition. Rodrigo is hotheaded and self-centered for the first third of the book, but Feintuch shows that these traits stem from the impetuousness of youth. Interestingly, Rodrigo finds wise counsel from the older Rustin, and tender passion as well; although the prince confesses often to preferring a woman, he enters a heartfelt, physical relationship with Rustin as their quest to control the Still leads them through the realm's fiefdoms. Fans who question who will ultimately be king may take hope in the novel's final image, of Rodrigo's band riding proudly together, and should find the answer in the inevitable sequel. (July)