Wrath-Bearing Tree: A Tournament of Shadows, Book 2

Enge continues the tales of the hunchback Morlock Ambrosius, son of Merlin Ambrosius, in the satisfying second entry in the Tournament of Shadows series. In this intrepid adventure of magic, god-killing, and romance, Morlock and vocate Aloê Oaij are sent by the Graith of Guardians to investigate new trouble brewing in the land of Kaen. It appears to be the work of the Two Powers, the enigmatic twin gods Fate and Chaos, who had pestered Morlock in A Guile of Dragons. This time, Morlock and Aloê face perils both physical and mental as they confront gods lesser and greater, dragons, sea-sickness, inhospitable country, and even Merlin himself. Enge’s swift-moving story offers both depth and classic sword-and-sorcery questing to create a solid addition to the series. Agent: Onyxhawke Agency. (Aug.)