Rise of the Blood Royal

by Robert Newcomb

Book Overview

The long-awaited moment is here, as Robert Newcomb brings his epic trilogy, The Destinies of Blood and Stone, to a triumphant close. Old questions will receive unexpected answers. Ancient prophecies... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345477111
• ISBN13: 9780345477118
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Del Rey Books
• Length: 524 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

When's the next installment out?

This is the 6th book in a wonderfully detailed world of magic. Unfortunately just recently went to author's website and found out there are currently no more books scheduled since his former publishing house had only contracted for 6 books - period. Mr Newcomb easily has enough story lines, characters and depth to do an additional 6-8 books, if he only had a publishing house to pick up a contract with him. Have suggested he (or agent) speak with Tor fantasy (his storyline fits the genre well.)to see if there would be an interest. As a reader, these 6 books have held me spellbound night after night for the last 2 1/2 months! Even if Mr Newcomb never gets another to pick up on the contract, you should still read the 6 because alot of loose ends are tied up by the end of book 6, enough so that the average fan would be happy with them only - and only slightly upset that this is it.

An outstanding adventure

In the kingdom of Rustannica, Emperor Vespasian finds his realm in trouble. They are nearly devoid of gold, and if they do not find a way to turn their fortune around, it is likely that they will fall at the hands of Shashida, the neighboring realm that gathers power from the Vigors. Vespasian devises a plan with the help of the Vagaries-leaning Pon Q'tar, led by Gracchus Junius, to seize the Shashidan gold mines and strike a deadly blow. He hopes to ultimately overrun Shashida and wipe out the Vigors once and for all. Even with his attention on the homeland, one eye must remain across the Tolenka Mountains and the kingdom of Eutracia. It is there that Prince Tristan and his twin sister, Shailiha, continue to learn the abilities inherent in their endowed blood as they seek to unite the two sides of the craft --- the Vagaries and the Vigors. Unlike Vespasian, they believe that if either side of the magic world were to be eradicated, the world would suffer dire consequences. Each needs the other, and Tristan, together with his Conclave, seeks to find a way across the Tolenkas so that they may unite with the Shashidans. Such a pathway has proven impossible until a simple twist of fate unveils the existence of subtle matter, which provides them with the answer they need to possibly make their endeavor a success. Yet all is not well, as a new and savage power has been unleashed by a long-dormant spell. Khristos, the Viper Lord, has risen from a stream in Hartwick Wood. The lover of Coven leader Failee, he does not know that she is dead and begins his march of terror across Eutracia. When Gracchus reaches out to him and gains his trust, the two strike a plan to bring down Tristan and Shailiha and secure the land for the power of the Vagaries. With this third volume in The Destinies of Blood and Stone, Robert Newcomb has found a solid voice and delivered an outstanding adventure. Within these pages is an astounding imagination and a world that is growing all the more intriguing as readers continue to explore it. He provides exceptional visual references that help bring the world to life and enough new twists and moments of intrigue to keep readers on edge. The standard characters from the previous books all return here, and their stories continue to lure you in further. Perhaps the strongest addition to the line is Khristos. Part human, part viper, he is driven by his love for the fallen Failee and his sense of revenge. This is all the more interesting as he was also a victim of her power, becoming the monster he is only because she twisted him to her will. His is a story of tragedy, and yet his involvement in this book is bloody and destructive. Newcomb does a fantastic job in story shift; one chapter sees us within the halls of Emperor Vespasian's court and the other finds us back in Eutracia, watching as Tristan and his companions struggle to answer the riddles that will lead them to victory. Even with the constant shifting and returning, there

terrific ending to The Destinies of Blood and Stone trilogy

The hundred years of the brutal War of Attrition between Rustannica and Shashida continues with no sign of either side abating the hostilities. In fact if anything the atrocities are getting worse as formidable ambitious beings see opportunities to grab power. Malevolent wizard Gracchus Junius tries to convince the insolvent Emperor Vespasian of Rustannica that if they combine their magic and use lethal taboo enchantments they can end the war by turning Shashida into rubble. That would allow them to replenish their fortunes by taking their defeated enemy's gold. At the same time that Vespasian considers Junius offer, in the land of Eutracia, two talented but novice mages, Prince Tristan and Princess Shailiha are studying how to control their talent. They believe they will end the War of Attrition, but must learn how to use "subtle matter" and locate the hidden Azure Sea that leads to Shashida. This is a terrific ending to The Destinies of Blood and Stone trilogy (see March into Darkness and SAVAGE MESSIAH) as Robert Newcomb's implications and applications to our world is frightening. Amazingly even with a somewhat big picture perspective the vast cast in the three prime lands is fully developed. Newcomers need to read the previous novels or they will get lost most likely in Rustannica. Harriet Klausner