Joris vom Felsen

The Neustrian Cycle #2

by Leslie Barringer

A Classic of Black Magic and Banditry! A bandit for whom there is no law, church or king, only his own might and sword, Joris of the Rock, kidnaps Red Anne, the witch, from the arms of her lover the Comte Louis de Campscapel, and takes her for his own. Thus begins the second of the three books of the classic Neustrian Cycle, a magical trilogy, too long out of print, that IBookLoons/I describes as "a marvelous fantasy" brimming with "non-stop action, chivalry and romance." Joris is a unique figure, one of the most memorable in all fantasy literature, a charismatic rogue likable rogue of rare fascination. Believing himself "one of those men for whom the world is made," Joris succeeds by relying on born leadership and the medieval saying, "Black and gold/Red shall hold." Opposed to Joris is the magic of an equally arresting figure, the hideous shaman, Yaan, who is determined Joris shall die. What Yann knows and Joris doesn't is that Joris has a son, Juhel, and Juhel, through mistaken identity, is growing up heir to a dukedom, sworn to defend the kingdom against all who would disturb its peace. What happens when the inevitable meeting between outlaw father and knightly son takes place will knot forever the twisted strands of their destinies. Set against the enthralling background of the imaginary kingdom of Neustra, IJoris of the Rock/I is an unforgettable fantasy-adventure IThe New York Times/I hailed as "escape from the world of skyscrapers and motor cars to a world--filled with vividness and imagination--charm and horror--Recommended."

Genres: Fantasy

409 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1976

Reviews

[Marie Winger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Nuestrian series. The action begins before that of "Gerflacon" and continues beyond it. I didn't like this one nearly as much mostly because I never really warmed to the main character, Joris of the Rock. Joris is a ruthless bandit. You are supposed to feel sorry for him because he became a bandit through tragic circumstances, but he is really ruthless. When he gets frustrated he steals and pillages and burns local peasants farms and villages. He robs and kills merchants and travels silly nilly. All the while suffering from unrequited love of the notorious Red Anne. Raoul of Ger from the first book makes occasional appearances. I think Joris gets exactly what he deserves.

[Matthew Morrese · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sequel to Gerfalcon, Joris gives further insight into characters mentioned, but not followed, in Gerfalcon. While some of Joris is grittier and more realistic, the story itself is less captivating than both Gerfalcon and Shy Leopardess (the third in the cycle). Still, I recommend reading it.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barringer's second Neustrian book has most of the strengths of the first, but the characters aren't as interesting: in particular, Joris's lack of complexity makes him a great off-stage presence but not much of a lead.

[Ronald Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good ending to a trilogy of books that all stand alone well as their own stories but greatly enrich each other in the neustrian world.