Tomes of Other Realms: The Spider's Test

Tomes of Other Realms

Welcome to the lands of swords and sorcery, where people live and die by the sword and only the bravest of souls stand between the common folk and the forces of darkness. Join me as I wander different planes and hear the stories of their greatest defenders and the sagas of their worthiest warriors.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: The Spider's Test
Author: Dixie Lee McKeone
Publisher: TSR, Inc.
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1996

Richard Endier's uncle held his inheritance in trust, only to lose it when his uncle died to his arrogant older cousin. Now, with nothing of their own but the clothes on their backs and a little besides, he and his cousins prepare to do one of the most dangerous things they've ever considered: settling new land close to the Spiderfell, home of the awnsheghlien once called Tal-Qazar the goblin, now known as the Spider King! But while the dreaded mutated monster has goblin tribes and spiders aplenty to do his bidding, Richard has three things going for him: the faith and support of his fellow settlers, his own wits and cunning, and the madness of the Spider King himself! But during his lucid moments, the Spider King is terribly smart and clever himself. Can Richard carve out a new land bordering the Spiderfell, and more importantly, can he hold it safe from the reach of the mad awnsheghlien?

The Spider's Test is the fourth and--unfortunately--last book available in the Birthright series. It's vastly different from the previous books in that the primary awnsheghlien, the Spider King, isn't quite as deadly and dangerous as, say, the Gorgon or the Hag. He's probably somewhere on a par with Czrak, but don't quote me on that. While he seems certainly better constructed than that slug, the Spider King's sanity is fraying away into nothing, allowing ordinary humans to outsmart him. Then again, though, Czrak was a human to begin with, so what does that say?

Perhaps what I like best about this book is that, unlike the first and third Birthright books, the mortal heroes of this book--as in Greatheart--are able to overcome the awnsheghlien if they only had the proper equipment and opportunity. I have a feeling the Gorgon and the Hag are too far beyond ordinary humans to be so vulnerable. Perhaps the Spider King is beyond Richard's ability to actually destroy him, but it doesn't really seem that way. All the same, though, you don't want the villain to be so immensely powerful that the heroes have no chance at all of beating them, and that is what you have here: an enemy that while powerful in one--or more--ways is still vulnerable in the way that counts the most.

The Spider's Test is a book definitely worth finding and reading. It's as excellent in its own way as Greatheart is. Once more we see a leader in the making in a world where heroes are sorely needed. I'm just sorry there aren't more Birthright books to continue telling the story of this bleak land!

Rating: Thumbs up! In a battle between a charismatic but mortal human and a powerful but insane awnsheghlien who will win?

Buy this book in paperback or visit the Cosmic Tomes Bazaar for other titles.

Looking for something that's no longer here? Check in the Archive to search for it.

Comments? Suggestions? Just click here to send me e-mail. Also, if this review prompted you to read the book, then let me know. I appreciate knowing I made a difference in somebody's life.

You are the

th visitor to this page since October 16, 1999.

Back Home Back to Starfire Reviews

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page