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The second book in S. C. Butler’s Stoneways Trilogy continues where Reiffen’s Choice ends. The story spans more than seven years beginning with Reiffen’s return to the Three magical instruction. This book focuses equally on the growth of Reiffen, Ferris and Avender to good effect.
Where Reiffen’s Choice dealt with more black and white issues, Queen Ferris guides Reiffen, Avender and Ferris through adolescence and paints the world with far more gray. Reiffen’s uncle, for example, was portrayed as a two-dimensional usurper of the rightful heir to the throne. As Avender and Ferris eventually meet and interact with him, they learn to see him as a more complex individual who assumed the throne no because of grand ambitions, but out of necessity of situation. Interestingly, the more mature characters from the first book, namely Nolo and Redburr, seem almost fanatically single minded at times leaving the reasoned positions to Reiffen, Ferris and Avender.
Each of our heroes has several issues to deal with. Reiffen must not only learn Magic, but protect his mother and bear the burden of choices made for the greater good. Avender struggles into manhood in a country preparing for war, and must balance friendship and devotion to Ferris while coming to terms with possible betrayal from his former best friend Reiffen. Finally, Ferris must decide whether or not her to wait for her first love, Reiffen, or take prince as her husband.
The themes presented in this installment give a melancholy tone and tension, while still keeping the book maintainable to the young adult target. Queen Ferris is a strong follow-up and I can’t wait for the conclusion of the series.
Queen Ferris: Book Two of the Stoneways Trilogy, by S. C. Butler
Published by: Tor Books (October, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0765314789
ISBN-13: 978-0765314789
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
