Through Stone and Sea

The second Noble Dead dark fantasy series continues with this slow, methodical sequel to 2009's In Shade and Shadow. Despite the ruling of her mentors at the Guild of Sagecraft, feisty young scholar Wynn Hygeorht is still determined to regain and translate the mysterious ancient texts she fought so hard to recover in 2008's Child of a Dead God. Following up a clue, Wynn and her companions, undead Chane Andraso and memory-reading magical canine Shade, journey to the dwarven city of Dhredze Seatt to seek out the grim Stonewalkers, who guard the dwarven dead. Sau'ilahk, a murderous wraith, follows in hopes of recovering those same texts. The plot here is more mystery than quest, focusing on dwarven culture and secrets. Readers seeking epic action and revelations will have trouble hanging on until the breathless rush at the end.