The Hendees' entertaining fifth installment in the Noble Blood series (Traitor of Blood
, etc.), a hybrid crossing Tolkienesque fantasy with vampire-infused horror, finds half-vampire Magiere and half-elf Leesil in the Elven Territories, searching for Leesil's imprisoned elven mother, Nien'a. The pair are accompanied by their preternaturally intelligent canine protector, Chap, and Wynn, a human sage who can connect psychically with Chap. On their mission to rescue Nien'a from her own people, the gang must battle the hateful elven leader, Most Aged Father, and his followers' prejudice against the human race. In an intriguing parallel adventure, the elegant vampire Welstiel, with the help of his undead companion, Chane, continues his quest for "the orb" that will free him of his blood lust. New readers might find the plot mystifying at times, but fans will enjoy the ongoing clash between elves, humans and the undead. (Jan.)
