

Elfsorrow: Legends Of The Raven by James Barclay 01/10/2002 . Source: Jacqueline Kirk 
Pub: Gollancz. 454 page enlarged paperback. Price: £10.99(UK). ISBN: 0-575-07329-2. Buy from Amazon US - Buy from Amazon UK nb: US titles may only be available from Amazon US, and UK titles from Amazon UK. Check out website: www.orionbooks.co.uk
The Raven are an elite fighting force made
up of swordsmen and mages. In an effort to help the land of Balaii,
they begin a quest to gather mages together.
The
Black Wings, led by Selik, are travelling around murdering and capturing
mages whilst trying to persuade people to support them.
They want to restrict the use of magic as they blame its use for
all the world's woes. Meanwhile, an ancient Elvin temple is desecrated
for its secrets and a strange disease is decimating the elves.
When the Raven reach the temple they are told that part of the
great statue to their Elvin God has been stolen. They must retrieve
it or the elves will be wiped out. This is a great tale of might
and magic.
This is the fourth book in Barclay's chronicles of the Raven and
continues from the end of 'Nightchild'. He has a good, easy style
of writing that makes for easy page turning!
The dynamics between the individuals that make up the Raven are
very realistic and make the reader interested as to what is happening
to them.
The Unknown Warrior has to be my favourite character - definitely
a guy you want on your side!
Although it would help to have read the first four books as there
are references to past incidents you could read this book on its
own and still follow it easily.
Jackie Kirk

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