This intense third installment of Zindell's Lightstone epic (after 2007's The Silver Sword
) finds seventh son Prince Valashu, descendant of the Star People, fighting both self-doubts and skeptical monarchs in his attempt to unite the free peoples of Ea against the magical assassins and mercenary armies following Morjin the Liar, the fallen angel known as the Great Red Dragon. In addition to the conventional fantasy hero challenges of tourneys, battles, quests and romance, Valashu struggles to determine his true place among the legendary figures looming large over the Grail-like Lightstone, which he stole from Morjin and must now reunite with its destined wielder. Zindell packs in frequent and substantial references to mythology and excerpts of prophetic poetry, sometimes mingling created theology with real-world mythical terms and sly pop culture references such as Valashu's lightning bolt–shaped forehead scar. This gives Ea an unusual depth and richness at the expense of slowing down and sometimes confusing the plot. (Apr.)
