The Raven Ring

In this sweet if slight novel, Wrede (The Harp of Imach Thysell) revisits the fantasy world of Lyra after a nine-year absence, conjuring up a quest story that nicely balances action, adventure and magic. Beautiful and brave Eleret Salven, 20, must travel to the city of Ciaron to reclaim her dead mother's personal effects. There, she becomes embroiled in a plot by evildoers who want to steal her mother's raven ring (a talisman of power useful against the ancient enemy, the Shadow-born), as well as in a dilemma over the romantic entanglements presented by a wealthy nobleman and a mischievous thief. Eleret is a lively, spunky heroine, and Wrede presents just enough exotica (including an exemplary use of an alternate tarot card system) to keep the slim plot zipping along. This refreshingly charming story makes good use of its warrior maiden, allowing her to find less obvious solutions to the rather typical dilemmas presented. (Nov.)