The Desert Talon

A veteran copes with the aftermath of war in Lowachee’s fascinating if somewhat slow-moving second Crowns of Ishia fantasy (after The Mountain Crown). After being forced to fight for the tyrant Kattakans in a war against Mazemoor, dragon rider Sephihalé ele Janan is imprisoned by the Mazemoor government. His adopted sister, Prita, volunteers to sponsor his probationary release. He and his dragon, Tourmaline, find a home and companionship in Mazemoor with Prita and her son, Omala, whom Janan regards as his younger brother. Trouble arises in the form of Eben Wisterel, an enastramyth, or someone who can perform mind control magic, who takes a bit too much interest in Tourmaline. As Eben’s true motives become clear, Janan is forced to either violate his probation or succumb to Eben’s magic forever. The limited page count leaves many fascinating worldbuilding elements underexplored, and it takes too long for the story’s stakes to be fully made clear. Once the action picks up in the final third, however, it’s good fun and there’s enough depth to this world to justify future installments. Series fans won’t want to miss this. (Feb.)