Beyond Wizardwall

Beyond Series #3

by Janet E. Morris

BEYOND WIZARDWALL the northern adventures of Tempus and his Stepsons come to their apocalyptic conclusion at the Festival of Man, where the games are not the scheduled ones of prowess at swordplay or chariot-racing, but games of assassination and treachery, with the Rankan emperor’s life and the honor of the Sacred Band at stake.
When Niko quits the Stepsons, he finds that his troubles are just beginning: not only has Death’s Queen marshaled new forces to entrap him, but Rankan interests desirous of a change in emperors have singled him out as the perfect assassin. Randal, the Stepsons’ pet mage and Niko’s former partner, must unite Tempus, the Stepsons, and hellish aid from magical quarters in a desperate attempt to save the defenseless Niko from Death’s Queen – and himself.
In imperial Ranke, Tempus finds himself torn between conflicting oaths and pitted against powers not even his immortal strength can vanquish – powers both mortal and immortal, magical and heavenly, so that, in the end, the god-ridden and accursed soldier must make pacts with his most hated enemies – not only Aškelon, the Lord of Dreams, but Death’s Queen herself – in order to save the souls of those he loves and the empire he’s served so long.
And this time, Tempus’ own soul hangs in the balance, as primal forces and even Enlil, the most fearsome storm god of them all, haggle over his fate.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Dark Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Science Fiction Fantasy, Paranormal, Metaphysics

425 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Janet Ellen Morris (born May 25, 1946) is a United States author. She began writing in 1976 and has since published more than 20 novels, many co-authored with David Drake or her husband Chris Morris. She has contributed short fiction to the shared universe fantasy series Thieves World, and edited the Bangsian fantasy series Heroes in Hell. Most of her work has been in the fantasy and science fiction genres, although she has also written several works of non-fiction.

Morris was elected to the New York Academy of Sciences in 1980.

In 1995, Morris and her husband and frequent co-writer Christopher Morris founded M2 Tech. Since that time, their writing output has decreased in proportion to the success of the company, which works with U.S. federal and military agencies on non-lethal weapon systems and software.

Reviews

[Cas Peace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third novel in Janet Morris’ Beyond series begins with one of the most poignant and emotional opening scenes I’ve ever read. Niko, favorite of the Stepson’s commander Tempus, is desperate to save the life of his pregnant mare, and the half-Tros foal she struggles to birth. Niko fears that the enemies which beset him - Death’s Queen, the Nisibisi witch Roxane, and the dream lord, Askelon - have caused his current problems and that his treasured mare, the only thing he has left that he cares about, will die because of his choices. Magical intervention is not an option - indeed, Niko fears it will worsen the situation - so Niko struggles alone, watching his stricken mare weaken, unable to help her. My heart went out to Niko in these opening passages, and it was continually wrenched and wrung throughout the novel by what this young fighter faced and endured.

Even the Stepsons, his sworn brothers, have turned against Niko. Critias, Tempus’ second in command, exhorts the Riddler to let Niko go - in his confused state he’s a bad influence on Band morale. Yet Tempus is loath to give up on Niko - he knows the young fighter still has a part to play, even if he has lost his balance, his maat.

Throughout this emotionally-charged novel, Niko is pulled this way and that. He is completely lost. Pursued by Askelon and Roxane both, he is also chosen to be the assassin who will kill the Rankan emperor and put another on the Lion Throne. He is wrongly charged with murder, and brutally tortured. He becomes an avatar of the Storm God Enlil, and fathers the god’s child. He spurns the attempts of Randal, the Sacred Band’s pet mage and Niko’s former partner, to heal the breach between them. So much is ranged against Niko; and for those of us who care about this deep, unique and complex, yet also strangely simple character, it’s often hard to read.

There were many times during the course of this novel when I failed to see how these situations would, or could, resolve to my satisfaction. It seemed inevitable that the Sacred Band would never be the same again. And of course, this would reflect how ‘real life’ often is - we hope, we strive, we pray and we despair, yet we are often powerless to affect the outcomes of wars or conflict or even our own personal lives. We lose friends, gain enemies - and sometimes, we prevail. Novels, if authors wish to affect their readers in a real and meaningful way, should be reflections of these our human struggles. Janet Morris is a past-master, a maestro, of the art. I trusted her to bring this series to a satisfactory conclusion, and that’s exactly what she did. Tempus and the Sacred Band are not unchanged - nothing ever is. Yet I emerged, whole if not unchanged myself, and remain avid for more.

[Joe Bonadonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finish my reviews of the 5-star, Author’s Cut editions of Janet Morris’ classic of Homeric Heroic Fantasy, the Beyond Sanctuary Trilogy, with the third and final book, Beyond Wizardwall. This was the toughest of the three books to review because there is so much that happens and so much ground to cover. This is also the most dramatic, tense and emotionally powerful of the three books. After the mage-war on Wizardwall, Tempus and his Sacred Band ride into Tyse triumphant and settle in to wait for spring, content with the season’s work. All except Niko. Everything in this excellent novel revolves around Niko, for what trials he endures and what tribulations he suffers are Herculean and tragic, and form the core of this novel. In the first chapter he’s at wits’ end, quitting the Sacred Band after he gets rousted by a pair of arrogant 3rd Commandos, wherein things quickly turn ugly and he kills one of the soldiers. Niko escapes and goes into hiding at Brother Bomba’s whorehouse. This is where the triad of Niko’s troubles begins. First, there is Askelon, the entelechy of dreams, regent of the seventh sphere and an archmage with delusions of godhood. He rules the sleep of all, from his ephemeral archipelago of dreams, Meridian. Then there is Roxane—shape changer, soul eater and vampire-like witch, who devours the essence of life from hapless mortals. Finally, we have Enlil, the Rankan Storm Lord and god of the armies. All three come to haunt Niko.
Askelon wants Niko for the purity of his soul, who steals his sleep and wants Stealth for an avatar. Roxane the witch, Death’s Queen, wants Niko’s body and a bit of his soul. And Enlil wants Niko as a representative on earth. Pulled in three directions by three powerful beings of higher octaves, Niko is being driven mad, which leads him into a whirlpool of drink and drugs. To make matters worse, Brachis, High Priest of the god Vashanka, comes to hire Niko to assassinate Abikithis, the emperor of Ranke, for the good of empire, Vashanka, and Niko’s own soul.
Enter Tempus: The Riddler wrestles with his own demons. Demigod and immortal though he is, he bears a curse of his own: those who love him die of it, and those he loves are bound to spurn him. And Niko, being his right-side companion in war and life, may suffer from that curse, as Tempus himself has long suffered from it. The Riddler’s heart is troubled, for he has deployed Niko before, pushing him and using him to flush out Roxane the witch, but she’s still at large. Now Tempus fears that Roxane has again possessed Niko and is spying through his eyes. He needs to find Niko, not only to set things to rights, but to find out what Brachis the High Priest wants, and to save him from the 3rd Commandos, the special unit Tempus formed and trained in his younger days. Tempus blames himself for the witch stalking Niko, and he will finally bargain with Enlil: save Niko, leave Niko be, and take him, the Riddler, instead. Ah, but things are never quite that easy.
Enter Randal: Seventh Level Hazard Mage, who is also part of the Sacred Band, the only wizard with whom they agree to work. When he returns home he confronts the mysterious suicide of his guild’s murderous First Hazard Mage. After Niko is found and rescued, Tempus orders Randal to keep an eye on Stealth, his one-time, right-side partner, to protect him and keep track of him. But as you can guess, that’s not going to be an easy task, either. And events are soon set into motion that will quickly throw Randal into the very thick of things.
Enter Cime: The dangerous, seductive mage-killer, sister of Tempus in spirit, if not by blood. She breaks into the mageguild one night, casts a spell and seduces the First Hazard, and then murders him. She and Tempus will form a joint occupation to rid the world of sorcerers, except for Randal. If it was up to her, Cime would rid the world of gods, too. Despite her distaste for wizards, she will team up with Randal to help track down Roxane who, weakened and ugly and badly injured after the mage-war, wants a magical globe that Randal possesses. Don’t forget: Roxane also wants Niko, and she uses an innocent young boy named Grippa to get at him.
As Fate and the gods would have it, all-too soon things heat up further for Niko when he’s captured by priests and goes on trial in a kangaroo court designed to find him guilty of murder. He is tortured and maimed beyond all mortal endurance, and what he suffers in one tense, emotionally-charged scene will cut to the core of your heart as it cuts to the heart of Tempus the Riddler. And Tempus, near the end of his own wits, finds a way to capture Roxane, only to end up making a bargain with her, to gain her help in saving Niko.
This is a novel of passion and love, powerful and character-driven from start to finish. Just to give you a sample of what else goes on: During a festival of songs, games and physical prowess, there is a hostage crisis culminating in a surprising decision by Tempus, and what orders he gives to his Sacred Band. While the war between Ranke and Mygdonia is on hold, assassination is nevertheless in the air, and there’s a military coup in the works to put an old friend of Tempus’ on the Lion Throne of Ranke.
Ah, but no strategy of war lasts long after battle is joined, and everything seems to be going wrong, especially after Randal the mage decides to go against Tempus’ orders when he is sent to deliver a message to the Rankan mageguild and discovers, to his dismay, the truth about who the chiefs adepts of his guild just happen to be. There is also a very strange and highly unlikely, often pesky little hornet, and the “reveal” of what that creature is will catch you off-guard . . . and there’s this cool, orange-haired, gray-skinned demon named Snapper Jo who Roxane summons to serve her.
Beyond Wizardwall is a wonderful novel that expertly caps the Beyond Sanctuary Trilogy in a surprising and satisfying conclusion. It’s a novel of complex characters caught up in complicated situations. Once again, Janet Morris gives us a literary classic of Heroic Fantasy. This is a textured novel, layered with themes of brotherhood and loyalty, love and betrayal, of the magic and majesty of horses, of boys growing into manhood, and the tragedy of those who die all too young. This is a novel filled with fine writing, exciting and talented writing.
There is plenty of action, humor, sex, pathos, magic and mystery, as well, and the narrative moves as swiftly as a blood-bay stallion at full gallop. This Author’s Cut, which has been revised and expanded for this handsome, brand-new Perseid Press edition is a classic of Heroic Fantasy. But above all, Beyond Wizardwall has heart and compassion. Janet Morris writes about people; her characters live and breathe with vibrancy, solidity and heart. And the soul of this novel is this: we feel the humanity and compassion in Niko; we feel the pain in Tempus’ own heart, know how deeply he loves, how he fears that love. We feel his aching and longing, and what torments his soul. And even in the character of Death’s Queen, the soul-eating witch Roxane, we learn that she can love and that she, too, understands compassion.

[Lori Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

(By this point, you should have read Beyond Sanctuary and Beyond the Veil in that order)

I am a reader...but it is books like this that make me wish with all my heart, that I was a writer. I stand in awe of Janet Morris. To create such a sweeping masterpiece! by itself is amazing, but when you balance the plot with amazing characters...wow!
The character of Niko by himself would be quite the accomplishment. BNiko should have been a simple character- his only want is his inner balance. Sounds simple, but in truth, very, very difficult to obtain, and even harder to keep a hold of. From the beginnings of the book we witness firsthand the utter despair of Niko as his beloved mare gives birth to the long awaited Tros blooded foal. What should be a joyous occasion is just wretched with angst. Those of us that are horse lovers can totally understand his indecision, his soul shattering grief at what he must do versus his deep abiding love for that mare....His balance is in tatters, shredded, beyond repair. I have to admit at that point to being upset....deeply upset. I have never, EVER been brought to that point so quickly in a book. I wanted to cry, I wanted to take up Niko's sword and hack into little tiny pieces anything that dared to even look at Niko askance....(Yeah, I am a Niko fangirl...big time...sigh) . It is a sign of a great author when you get immersed that quickly in a book and experience all the emotions the characters do. I wanted to slow time down and attempt to savor each sentence and yet, I needed, more than my next breath, to know how Janet would wrap up all the plot lines (major and minor) and end the book.
I felt like the author blessed me with allowing me to witness the continued evolution of Niko called Stealth. From his beginning in this book, I thought that Niko could not take one more hurt, mentally or physically. Then in the next paragraph, Niko takes yet more and we wonder when he will break, and if he does, what will it take to put him back together again. No spoiler here, but I admit to being overjoyed at where Niko's healing came from. I was also very pleased with how we got to witness Randal's evolution too. I remembered what Randal was like at his introduction and was very happy to see him start to reach his potential. Even Tempus unfolds some in these pages. We see him become more human, witness his inner turmoil at doing what he does so well. This book is very much character driven, but the plot does not suffer one tiny bit for that. I have read some epic heroic fantasy books that the plot is the most important thing, sometimes to the detriment of character. But in a series like this, I can't help but get caught up in the main characters, like I was watching some ancient historical soap opera from the front row, getting so close that I was getting splashes of blood, sweat and tears from the actors. Total immersion in her words .... I just love it when that happens!
Was there anything I didn't care for....hmmm....I admit to being rather taken aback at the treatment of Niko by the priests, but that was personal to me. Janet is meticulous in her correctness to history. Every detail is as is would have been present in the sacred band's real time of the 4th century BC, but if you are not a history buff, she does not bog the story down with boring details, but gives just enough to enrich and make a more realistic picture.
What did I love about this? Okay, other than being head over heels in love with Niko? I loved how I felt I was a spectator, privy to the innermost thoughts of the characters. From Tempus' thought processes and his remorse at what he must do, to the machinations of the priests, the hunger of Roxane, the emerging morals of Randal...I experienced it all! To a reader like me, that is a most precious gift from an author. At this point in time if Janet Morris published her grocery list, I would get an amazon card and buy it. I cannot recommend her books enough.

[Uvi Poznansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempus and his Sacred Band return from war to face new challenges, not the least of which is the challenge to overcome self-doubts as to their course of action. Each character must find a way to change from within in order to fulfill a higher calling. Yet this is a confusing world, and not only because of struggles and wars. It exhibits conflicting ideals, such as remaining true to your oath and quitting so as not to disappoint other fighters. Faced with the silence of the gods, who would not answer pleas and prayers, answers must come by searching within, to find an overriding, guiding principle.

I love it when the opening of a book offers a glimpse of the histories of its heroes, which remain obscure beyond its scope, yet provides substance and fulness to the characters. In the first few lines Niko, crushed by guilt for his past and present actions, kneels by his suffering mare, who is trying to deliver her unborn foal. “He wanted to press his face to hers and beg her forgiveness. But he dared not: if he began weeping, he’d never stop.” He starts out helpless to help her, helpless to help himself. “None of the Riddler’s other fighters had Niko’s problems: he was the only member of Tempus’ Sacred Band of Stepsons who had a wizard for a partner, a witch for an enemy, and a dream lord after his very soul.”

Even his comrades have turned against him. “We can’t keep pretending we don’t see, and let him go on on his way. He makes the whole unit look bad… Either shape him up or shed him.” His tribulations will become a test, a way for Niko to find his balance again, prove himself to his commander Tempus. But right now, overwhelmed by his mystery, all he can do is pray to a god that does not care to answer. “Enlil, Storm God of the Armies, please save my horse.”

Beyond being lyrical, the writing in this book is exceptionally strong. For each character, it draws sharp contrasts between conflicting goals. For a while Niko considers the notion of asking his partner, Randal, to save his horse through magic—only to reject it. “She’s better off dying a natural death than living on, beholden to wizardry.” Out of desparation, “I’m an outcast. So let’s end this farce: I quit,” he tells his commander. Being a wise leader, Tempus gives the wizard, Randal, his calling: “You can keep Niko safe while this fever in him burns out.”

And just as Niko comes to new point, “He found his balance, poised there between life and eternity,” his immortal commander steps in to guide him in a different direction. And as for Tempus, will he accept his lot to live on through wars, amidst chaos? Faced with a god that is never sated with spilling blood, will Tempus find a measure of peace with himself?

Five stars.

[A.L. Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final instalment of the ‘Beyond’ series does not disappoint. Again it is an emotive read, Nikodemos suffers more than any other character and those scenes are heart breaking, yet not one scene or line is wasted, not one scene or line is out of place and reader has to continue reading to find out what happens. Does he survive? Does his maat return? Are plots within plots the breaking of the Stepsons? This is not a book for the faint of heart, but battle is not kind, nor gentle, nor pleasant. There is not simply the battle of man against man, but of magic and politics, gods and demigods and thus carnage reigns.

This book ties up situations brought to us in earlier books, explains some issues alluded to and sets the scene for other excursions with the Sacred Band. Relationships are forged, and broken, and trust stretches to breaking point with repercussions to come. An intellectual and complex fantasy, which takes the reader to the edge of tears and the heights of joy, an unashamed ride of epic proportions.

[Deborah McClatchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books! Janet Morris is an incredible author who takes you on a fantasy journey you won't soon forget.
I wanted to read until I finished. Fascinating characters, well-written. You won't be disappointed by this captivating series. I was given this copy by the author during a promo exchange for an honest review and I give her high marks!

[Andrew Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a way, I'm sad that my journey is over with this, the final chapter in the Beyond Sanctuary trilogy. And where to start?
In this story, everybody wants a piece of Niko...The 3rd commandos. Askelon, regent of the 7th Sphere. Roxanne, Queen of Death. Even Enlil, the Rankan Storm God. And all for different reasons. How on earth will Niko survive?
And what can Tempus do to save his friend whilst establishing some semblance of balance among all this burgeoning mayhem? Especially when his loyalties are being tested too, and the line between friend and foe becomes blurred?
I wish I could go into detail...but I won't. THAT's what the story is for.
If you like high adventure, where heroes are forced to choose which oaths to honour - with men - with mages - and with gods, and where everything turns upside down and inside out...you'll absolutely love this story. Great action, superb characters, and awesome plot. Make sure it's on your 'To Read' list. You'll be glad you added it.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good conclusion to the trilogy. As before, I think Morris' writing reads much better at novel length. I came to enjoy the characters and the plots more (though Roxanne's constant returns are annoying). I think I'll enjoy them more back in the normal Thieves World books now too.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janet Morris has a great knack for characterization.

[Ju Ephraime · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEYOND WIZARDWALL, the third book in the trilogy of the Sacred Band of Stepsons did not disappoint. I find myself slowly returning back to earth, alongside Tempus, as he stood and watch Jihan thread her way amongst the crowd, “her high rump gleaming in the sunlight.” I too, am fighting my way back from Straton’s match with the Mygdonian champion, thinking of the Sacred Band in Strat's corner, “oiled and gleaming in their bronzed-bossed panoplies. What a ride!

[Lilian Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really happy that I purchased this book. Beyond Wizardwall is the third book in the series of the Sacred Band, which is the most suggestive in a fabulous trilogy. The action is amazing!!! I did not read the first two books but in this one the adventure surpasses my expectation. I was captivated by Niko's and how he would survive the wrath of so many that wanted to harm him.

Tempus his friend established some understanding between all that Confusion that was created in separating enemies from friends. The author makes you feel like you are part of the story and not simply the reader. This is the first book I read by this author and I can assure you it will not be the last.

This book was full of gripping activity, twisting plot and a great conclusion to this trilogy. I was glued to the book from the first page to the last. I would recommend this to anyone who loves adventure and thrill.

[Sean Poage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with the stories of Tempus and the Sacred Band in high school, reading the Thieve's World series. During that series, Tempus and his warband depart for a war to the north, and when you finally see them again, there are hints of amazing adventures in a far off land. Well, this spin-off trilogy fills in the details of that missing time. And this, the 3rd book in the series, is the most evocative in a thrilling trilogy. Now I can go back to Sanctuary and have a greater understanding of their return, and of what is to come. I can't wait to start on the next book in the Tempus series!

[Dave Peticolas · Rating 2 out of 5]

A novel set in the Thieves' World setting.

[Rex Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book deals a lot with the character's relationships with each other and the interactives of otherworldly paramours, I just expected a book dealing with a military unit would involve more action. The characters, having been established in other volumes, are not really elaborated on. The action, what little occurs, is rushed. Even the central plot, the assassination of the Emperor no less, takes backseat to the sexual relationships of the characters. The assassination is handled in less than three pages, everyone seems to know about the plot, but no one is really interested, and those involved ride away North afterwards like nothing happened. The author seems scared to kill off her characters. As a result nothing of interest happens in this sword and sorcery tale. While they could get away with this kind of thing in short story form in the Thieves' World books, most of this trilogy had been a waste of time: plotting to no end, relationships made and unmade, but very little action of consequence occurs, and least nothing dramatic to keep the reader's interest.

[Cynik · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 3rd book in this series. Continues covering events and characters that take place outside of Sanctuary in the Thieves' World setting. Probably my favorite of the trilogy, it seems a little better balanced and the characters come across well. It ends with some headed back to Sanctuary to get back into the main Thieves' World anthologies and some headed off other directions.

[William O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Wizardwall (Sacred Band of Stepsons:...
Janet Morris

Another superb read featuring Tempus.

The fans of these powerful tales will be encapsulated with the words created in this next instalment.

Beyond Wizardwall takes Tempus and his Stepsons on blinding adventurous quests into the Lord of Dreams and Death’s Queen herself.

Exquisite and powerful writing.

[Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and satisfying conclusion to a trilogy, these are the continuing adventures of Tempus (a character from the Thieves' World anthologies) with his current military unit, the Stepsons including Niko & Randal, Straton & Critias as they battle Roxane, evil Nisibisi Death's Queen and most powerful witch.
This book advances characters, especially Niko, but also Randal and Tempus, in a believable way, whilst being an exciting story in itself (although it would not be good if read out of sequence).
Having finished the trilogy (and having previously read Thieves' World short stories), I appreciate the care taken in providing a cast of characters and perspectives (sometimes contradictory) that are believable within their admittedly fantasy frame of reference. The gods and magic completely distort their world compared to ours, but as most of the story's characters are not priests or magicians/witches, their contempt/frustration for gods and magic echoed what would be my own frustration for the "deus ex machina" events, and make it acceptable.

I read "the author's cut" in 2013 which ends with openings for new stories, and this may be different from the original 1986 version.