Champion of the Scarlet Wolf, Book 1

Hale (Lord of the White Hell) draws the reader into a troubled fantasy world with lush descriptions, an innovative magic system, and well-realized worldbuilding. After accidentally killing a man in the defense of a friend, Elezar is sent away for his own protection, appointed as royal envoy to the distant city of Milmuraille, where he’s instructed to seek peace with a powerful witch queen. There, he encounters the street witch Skellan, a charming, half-feral young man dealing with problems of his own. But with a malevolent violet flame devouring all of the magic in the city, burning those with talent and destroying ancient wards, it seems as though Elezar and Skellan will have little time to properly investigate their mutual attraction. Hale grounds the narrative with a convincing romance that plays out against a gripping thriller-style plot. While some of the story is predictable, Hale keeps things moving at a brisk pace, weaving multiple threads and juggling a large cast, and setting things up nicely for the final installment. (Oct.)