The Lesser Kindred

Just as Lanen Kaelar and her husband settle into newly wedded happiness, home from their fiery adventures of vanquishing demons, their nemesis, archmage Berys, manages to complete the rites needed to become master of all demons and ruler of the land of the Gedri. This sequel to Kerner's Song in the Silence starts slowly and with too much emphasis on wedded bliss, but picks up considerable steam as the story plays out. Lanen's beloved, Varian, is a dragon who has been changed into a Gedri (human form) for some purpose yet unknown. Lanen herself becomes changed into something not quite Gedri during the course of the book. At the same time, the Kantri--the true dragons--are forced to flee their homeland in exile and return to the home they left on Kolmar 5,000 years ago. In their quest to understand what is happening to them, Lanen and Varian happen upon the Lesser Kindred, dragons who lost their souls five centuries ago when the true dragons were cast out of Kolmar. The cliffhanger ending of the book reveals that there will be at least one more volume in the series. Once past the first several chapters, which are mostly a rehash of Song in the Silence, the narrative moves briskly and enjoyably. Kerner's prose is easy on the ear and the exploits of the dragons are new and fresh. Though there are a few spots where the plot becomes truly predictable, this is a charming book that can be read in one sitting. (Dec.)