Just finished reading Wizard Weather and here is my review:
If you are yet unfamiliar with The Sacred Band, Wizard Weather offers a prefect first glimpse into this complex mythological universe and its heroic characters. And what an unexpected glimpse: The story here starts at the point of arousal, the excitement of which is closely associated with the risk of death: “Now the First Hazard glimpses her movements… Sputtering with sensations that for years he has assumed he has outgrown… The song she sings has cost her much to learn, and the death she staves off will not be so kind as his.”
The story also ends on the same note, which makes this particular book a juicy, yet highly literary read, written by Janet Morris in her exquisite, lyrical style: “Promise or threat, he was not certain, but he was reasonably sure that he could deal with her, either way.”
Indeed, a killing mist swirls through the Sanctuary, which heightens the dangers facing Tempus, his beloved Niko, and the rest of the Sacred Band stepsons. In this heroic story, dangers—as represented by gods and immortal beings, such as Stormbringer or Askelon of Meridian, lord of dreams—are the highest form of a call to duty, a challenge to rise to your better self and find your courage. It is no accident that in the midst of all the excitement, conflicts and battles, Niko is yearning to find his ‘Maat’ (internal balance. I assume that the name is inspired by the goddess of truth, justice, and cosmic order, daughter of Ra.)
If you are yet unfamiliar with The Sacred Band, Wizard Weather offers a prefect first glimpse into this complex mythological universe and its heroic characters. And what an unexpected glimpse: The story here starts at the point of arousal, the excitement of which is closely associated with the risk of death: “Now the First Hazard glimpses her movements… Sputtering with sensations that for years he has assumed he has outgrown… The song she sings has cost her much to learn, and the death she staves off will not be so kind as his.”
The story also ends on the same note, which makes this particular book a juicy, yet highly literary read, written by Janet Morris in her exquisite, lyrical style: “Promise or threat, he was not certain, but he was reasonably sure that he could deal with her, either way.”
Indeed, a killing mist swirls through the Sanctuary, which heightens the dangers facing Tempus, his beloved Niko, and the rest of the Sacred Band stepsons. In this heroic story, dangers—as represented by gods and immortal beings, such as Stormbringer or Askelon of Meridian, lord of dreams—are the highest form of a call to duty, a challenge to rise to your better self and find your courage. It is no accident that in the midst of all the excitement, conflicts and battles, Niko is yearning to find his ‘Maat’ (internal balance. I assume that the name is inspired by the goddess of truth, justice, and cosmic order, daughter of Ra.)
Five stars.