What do you think?
Rate this book
Renshai Chronicles #6
The Children of Wrath
Book three of the acclaimed, bestselling epic fantasy Renshai Chronicles—discover the intricate Renshai universe, infused with Norse mythology, tangled intrigue, and cataclysmic magical battles.
The mortal kingdoms are caught up in a shared catastrophe, cursed with sterility by the magic of the dark elves. Still, what elves have caused they may perhaps put right.
Humanity’s last hope hinges on a magical talisman—the Pica Stone. One of only nine solid objects ever created by magic, the Pica Stone was shattered in the days of the last Wizards. But when Captain, oldest of the elves, joins with his fellow light elves to work a spell to draw together all the scattered pieces of this legendary gem, eight shards remain missing, lost on worlds throughout the planes of existence.
The elves spell-shift a party of questers to each of these worlds to find the shards. Among the chosen are the Renshai warrior Kevral, her husband Ra-khir the knight, and Tae, a newly made prince and former thief. Each world offers unique challenges, but with the extinction of the human race as the price of failure, there can be no turning back....
The mortal kingdoms are caught up in a shared catastrophe, cursed with sterility by the magic of the dark elves. Still, what elves have caused they may perhaps put right.
Humanity’s last hope hinges on a magical talisman—the Pica Stone. One of only nine solid objects ever created by magic, the Pica Stone was shattered in the days of the last Wizards. But when Captain, oldest of the elves, joins with his fellow light elves to work a spell to draw together all the scattered pieces of this legendary gem, eight shards remain missing, lost on worlds throughout the planes of existence.
The elves spell-shift a party of questers to each of these worlds to find the shards. Among the chosen are the Renshai warrior Kevral, her husband Ra-khir the knight, and Tae, a newly made prince and former thief. Each world offers unique challenges, but with the extinction of the human race as the price of failure, there can be no turning back....
640 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1998
5 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Mickey Zucker Reichert
89 books183 followersMickey Zucker Reichert (pseudonym for Miriam Susan Zucker Reichert) is an American fantasy fiction author of several best selling novels. Perhaps her most famous work is the epic Renshai series, which offers an intriguing perspective on traditional Norse mythology. She is also a parent and paediatrician with a soft spot for critters great and small. She has been known care for a veritable zoo of creatures, at times including mice, horses, snakes, llamas, parrots, squirrels, possums, and foxes.
Alongside her twenty-two novels, Reichert has also published one illustrated novella and fifty-plus short stories.
Alongside her twenty-two novels, Reichert has also published one illustrated novella and fifty-plus short stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 13, 2023
2.5, rounded up. I think I'm getting tired of this series.
The plot: to hopefully destroy the curse of sterility elves have placed on humankind, our heroes must use the Pica stone, possibly the only magical object that still remains in the world. Unfortunately it was shattered several books back, but it can be recreated with magic. As they need the whole thing, a team of heroes is sent on a quest to recover the last few chips and shards. Naturally enough the team chosen are our heroes from the previous books in this trilogy, plus a couple of extras. The stage is set for the most laughably easy quest in history - the characters are magically transported to the location of the next shard, solve some easily overcome challenge or puzzle and are magically returned home for a spot of R&R before the next challenge.
There are other challenges, such as but they're all equally uninteresting.
There's an odd lack of depth to any of it, which started to frustrate me. I mean, without the curse being broken, humanity potentially faces extinction - I'm not saying I wanted to read about women being kidnapped and raped as men try to force a woman to bear their child before it's too late, but it would've been understandable. But no - the world continues on much as usual. The same shallowness goes down to their characters and their relationships - Kavral despises her quest companion Andvari because of historical issues between their respective races; she berates him constantly until he's told to stand up to her - he tells her to back off, and that's about it; I don't think he says another word throughout the book, but there's a comment near the end about how their friendship is so strong 'because friendships you have to work at are stronger' or something. Huh? Okay, I guess.
The story just seems frustratingly shallow and basic, particularly compared to more modern or epic works. It reads almost like a YA novel, despite the swordfights - all the problems are relatively easily overcome. This isn't a flaw in the writing so much as something that doesn't gel with me. Add the ongoing 'battle' between Law/Odin and Chaos/Colbey (the character I dislike the most), and we have a book I couldn't wait to finish.
Although the book ties up all the loose ends, the author wrote another trilogy set twenty years or so after this one; I did actually buy two of the books back when I remembered this series more fondly, but I don't honestly think I can face reading any more of these books. Anyone want two battered trilogies and two of the last trilogy (all in paperback) for the cost of postage? PM me.
In conclusion: if you like rogues, check out The Legend of Nightfall by the same author. I don't recommend these books unless you like fairly lightweight fantasies with lots of swordfights and unconquerable heroes.
The plot: to hopefully destroy the curse of sterility elves have placed on humankind, our heroes must use the Pica stone, possibly the only magical object that still remains in the world. Unfortunately it was shattered several books back, but it can be recreated with magic. As they need the whole thing, a team of heroes is sent on a quest to recover the last few chips and shards. Naturally enough the team chosen are our heroes from the previous books in this trilogy, plus a couple of extras. The stage is set for the most laughably easy quest in history - the characters are magically transported to the location of the next shard, solve some easily overcome challenge or puzzle and are magically returned home for a spot of R&R before the next challenge.
There are other challenges, such as but they're all equally uninteresting.
There's an odd lack of depth to any of it, which started to frustrate me. I mean, without the curse being broken, humanity potentially faces extinction - I'm not saying I wanted to read about women being kidnapped and raped as men try to force a woman to bear their child before it's too late, but it would've been understandable. But no - the world continues on much as usual. The same shallowness goes down to their characters and their relationships - Kavral despises her quest companion Andvari because of historical issues between their respective races; she berates him constantly until he's told to stand up to her - he tells her to back off, and that's about it; I don't think he says another word throughout the book, but there's a comment near the end about how their friendship is so strong 'because friendships you have to work at are stronger' or something. Huh? Okay, I guess.
The story just seems frustratingly shallow and basic, particularly compared to more modern or epic works. It reads almost like a YA novel, despite the swordfights - all the problems are relatively easily overcome. This isn't a flaw in the writing so much as something that doesn't gel with me. Add the ongoing 'battle' between Law/Odin and Chaos/Colbey (the character I dislike the most), and we have a book I couldn't wait to finish.
Although the book ties up all the loose ends, the author wrote another trilogy set twenty years or so after this one; I did actually buy two of the books back when I remembered this series more fondly, but I don't honestly think I can face reading any more of these books. Anyone want two battered trilogies and two of the last trilogy (all in paperback) for the cost of postage? PM me.
In conclusion: if you like rogues, check out The Legend of Nightfall by the same author. I don't recommend these books unless you like fairly lightweight fantasies with lots of swordfights and unconquerable heroes.
April 19, 2019
It is with some sadness that I start the final Renshai book to be written by Mickey Zucker Reichert. I started reading Ms. Reichert's work with The Last of the Renshai. I followed all the releases of The Last of the Renshai Trilogy and The Renshai Chronicles with much interest.
I pre-ordered The Children of Wrath at its release. However, many things were going on in my life and the release was long enough away from the previous book that I preferred to re-read the preceding two books in The Chronicles and possible the whole Renshai Trilogy. Each of those 5 books are over 500 pages long, and with the business of my life, I was unable to re-read 1000-2500+ pages of book just to read one more. Thus, I delayed the reading of The Children of Wrath. I do hope to re-read all those books in the future, all the Renshai books in order.
When I first started The Children of Wrath, I decided to read it and hope I remembered all the characters correctly. Ms. Zucker does a wonderful job in helping the reader remember characters and storyline across a couple years or more (between readings). I find I feel quite comfortable with these characters. As a year has passed in the events of the previous book and this one, the time distance in real life is not as affecting. In fact, if I had read all the books together, I might have felt a little stilted with the time lapse.
This next paragraph reveals details that give away endings in previous books:
This book is told mostly from the angle of the character of Tae Kahn, father to one of Kevral's twin boys, loser of Kevral's hand in marriage, and new prince to the throne of the Eastern lands. There are some character flips to Ra-khir and others to be sure the reader has all the information, even when Tae is not present. The plot of this book follows 8 travelers trials through several worlds to find all the shards of the pica stone. The elves have determined that with the pica stone whole, the sterility spell cast on humans may be reversed.
The ending is what you would expect, knowing up front that Ms. Reichert has no intentions of writing further Renshai novels. Most things are wrapped up neatly, which is nice. There's no hanging plots, leaving you wanting another book. Normally, I don't find this a pro, but when I know this is the last book, it's good to not be waiting for more. However, the way the story ends, the reader knows more will happen in the lives of the characters. This lets our imaginations fill in the rest if we so choose.
Ms. Reichert writes her adventurous stories with her usual flair and captivating story-telling. The details are easy to imagine, as if you're watching the story, not reading it. The characters are enjoyable, but a little flat. Definitely reading the previous novels is necessary to enjoy the characters as they are presented.
I recommend this book to fantasy readers, although the previous 5 Renshai books should be read first to have a history and familiarity with the characters. I do not think this book could stand alone without the previous books.
I pre-ordered The Children of Wrath at its release. However, many things were going on in my life and the release was long enough away from the previous book that I preferred to re-read the preceding two books in The Chronicles and possible the whole Renshai Trilogy. Each of those 5 books are over 500 pages long, and with the business of my life, I was unable to re-read 1000-2500+ pages of book just to read one more. Thus, I delayed the reading of The Children of Wrath. I do hope to re-read all those books in the future, all the Renshai books in order.
When I first started The Children of Wrath, I decided to read it and hope I remembered all the characters correctly. Ms. Zucker does a wonderful job in helping the reader remember characters and storyline across a couple years or more (between readings). I find I feel quite comfortable with these characters. As a year has passed in the events of the previous book and this one, the time distance in real life is not as affecting. In fact, if I had read all the books together, I might have felt a little stilted with the time lapse.
This next paragraph reveals details that give away endings in previous books:
This book is told mostly from the angle of the character of Tae Kahn, father to one of Kevral's twin boys, loser of Kevral's hand in marriage, and new prince to the throne of the Eastern lands. There are some character flips to Ra-khir and others to be sure the reader has all the information, even when Tae is not present. The plot of this book follows 8 travelers trials through several worlds to find all the shards of the pica stone. The elves have determined that with the pica stone whole, the sterility spell cast on humans may be reversed.
The ending is what you would expect, knowing up front that Ms. Reichert has no intentions of writing further Renshai novels. Most things are wrapped up neatly, which is nice. There's no hanging plots, leaving you wanting another book. Normally, I don't find this a pro, but when I know this is the last book, it's good to not be waiting for more. However, the way the story ends, the reader knows more will happen in the lives of the characters. This lets our imaginations fill in the rest if we so choose.
Ms. Reichert writes her adventurous stories with her usual flair and captivating story-telling. The details are easy to imagine, as if you're watching the story, not reading it. The characters are enjoyable, but a little flat. Definitely reading the previous novels is necessary to enjoy the characters as they are presented.
I recommend this book to fantasy readers, although the previous 5 Renshai books should be read first to have a history and familiarity with the characters. I do not think this book could stand alone without the previous books.
January 16, 2025
My main takes from this trilogy:
1) I’m glad I discovered this series as a child (or in my early teens), and that Beyond Ragnarok is my favourite of the entire series. It is also a comfort read and I know I will always look back on this entire series fondly. The second trilogy is my favourite of the whole set.
2) How in the world did Kevral go from bad ass Renshai warrior to becoming a broodmare?!? I really wanted to be Kevral when I was reading Beyond Ragnarok as a teenage girl cos come on, having both Tae and Ra-Khir at her beck and call was just hot. But the whole Pudar heir thing was heinous. I’m not sure why this author goes so deeply into the SA theme cos there was a whole secondary storyline about another woman being assaulted in the final trilogy. I can kinda see how the whole Pudar heir situation unfolded as it did, but for Kevral to be the victim was just contrived and too convenient. I feel like the complex feelings that Kevral and her loved ones should have about this situation were also just brushed away. Pudar’s king also never really got any kind of punishment for their abhorrent behaviour.
1) I’m glad I discovered this series as a child (or in my early teens), and that Beyond Ragnarok is my favourite of the entire series. It is also a comfort read and I know I will always look back on this entire series fondly. The second trilogy is my favourite of the whole set.
2) How in the world did Kevral go from bad ass Renshai warrior to becoming a broodmare?!? I really wanted to be Kevral when I was reading Beyond Ragnarok as a teenage girl cos come on, having both Tae and Ra-Khir at her beck and call was just hot. But the whole Pudar heir thing was heinous. I’m not sure why this author goes so deeply into the SA theme cos there was a whole secondary storyline about another woman being assaulted in the final trilogy. I can kinda see how the whole Pudar heir situation unfolded as it did, but for Kevral to be the victim was just contrived and too convenient. I feel like the complex feelings that Kevral and her loved ones should have about this situation were also just brushed away. Pudar’s king also never really got any kind of punishment for their abhorrent behaviour.
June 3, 2020
A fine wrap-up for the trilogy and series thus far, although it leaves one wondering about the newborns introduced during the story. :)
September 27, 2016
I first read this book a very long time ago, and to this day it (and, honestly, almost everything by this author!) ranks among my all time and forever favorites!
Bringing the second Renshai trilogy to a close, this book continues hard on the heels of the second book. As always, full of action and adventure, rich characters, a beautifully crafted world, and of course Norse Gods.
Go forth, read and enjoy!
*** Please note that I am playing "catch up" with some old and favorite reads! Enjoy my Backlog! ***
Bringing the second Renshai trilogy to a close, this book continues hard on the heels of the second book. As always, full of action and adventure, rich characters, a beautifully crafted world, and of course Norse Gods.
Go forth, read and enjoy!
*** Please note that I am playing "catch up" with some old and favorite reads! Enjoy my Backlog! ***
April 14, 2012
Wow a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy. It was filled with wonderful, though at the time I did not think so, twists and turns. Fantastic and it has a wonderful way of ending that leaves it open for more and yet has completed the story line. Reichart's Renshai are a phenomenal creation and a very inspiring people.
May 30, 2021
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews