In this well-told fantasy set in the same Mongolia-like world as Benjamin's Seven Brothers trilogy (The Prince of Shadow
, etc.), the brave yet modest Prince Tayyichiut returns home a hero from a terrible war between the gods and demons. Tayy's uncle, Mergen-Khan, ruler of the nomadic Qubal people, has declared the prince his heir, his bastard sons being ineligible to inherit the khanate. The ensuing intrigues and tussles for the throne go on a tad too long, while some readers may find a last-minute rescue and revival of the protagonist less than credible. Still, the story boasts some memorable shape-shifting characters, including a venomous villain, who's a green serpent woman, and an endearing heroine, Eluneke, who remains lovable even when she turns into a toad. A trip Eluneke makes to the home of the gods, where she struggles to regain her human form, is a high point. As in the Seven Brothers books, Benjamin makes fine use of Mongol culture as background for the Qubal clans, with their love of riddles and their colorful costumes. Agent, JET Literary Associates. (Apr. 5)
