Tomes of Spellcasting

Welcome to the land of mystery, where the impossible is possible, and the improbable the reality. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with magic and meet the souls that wield this wondrous powers.

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!

Instrument of Fate Title: Instrument of Fate
Author: Christie Golden
Publisher: Ace Books
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1996

A young bard, Gillien Songespynner, takes first place in a song contest, but the reward for her success is more than she bargained for. It all starts from the moment a dying elf gifts her with a beautiful lute before disappearing into the masses. The elf placed only one condition on his gift: to take it to Kasselton and present it to the Queen Mother, an elf herself and possibly the only person in the elven and human nations that can stop the conflict looming on the horizon. Little does she know that the elf has plunged her into a world of nightmares come to life where she can trust no one but herself. She has companions of a sort: Daric, a former officer tormented by memories of his life as a slave; Taran, the Sa elf who's secretive and shadowy presence she never suspects; and Singer, the enchanted lute with the fine voice and a mind--and soul--all its own. There is but one enemy stalking her, but it is a great and terrible one that can disguise itself as nearly anyone and anything. Will she succeed in her mission, or will she run afoul of all the usual and unusual dangers that threaten--the nightmare creature, slavers, or the rat-like Ghil--and plunge the world into chaos and warfare?

The author tackles a number of touchy subjects throughout Instrument of Fate. First and foremost is the idea of racial prejudice that runs throughout the novel: prejudice among the humans, elves, Ghil, and the Changers. Another subject is fear; prejudice is harmless unless responded to and acted on, and fear is often the factor that prompts the response. Some less central but still important topics include slavery, male-male and male-female non-consensual sex (i.e., rape), female-to-male transvestism (Gillien becomes "Garen" for a while), and homosexuality. These aren't in-your-face subjects thrown in just to toss them in: The author handles each topic carefully and only with good reason. Gillien's impersonation of a man--something against the land's law--is done to protect herself. Given the incorporation of slavery, rape of men and women--whether as punishment or a show of power--is not an unexpected convention. Don't go looking for any graphic depictions: most of these themes arise through implication and innuendo.

As with any novel, the fantasy writer needs to establish setting quickly and completely, only with greater detail if the writer is working with a new world of his or her fashioning. The author did a good job of immersing me into the political/social situation of Instrument of Fate's world immediately. Greater physical description occurs once Gillien gets underway on her important and desperate journey, but that's all right. You don't want to know what the world looks like right away; it's enough that you pick up on the central problem. The world itself can develop gradually, but you need to know the problem right away, right?

I first encountered Christie Golden's works through TSR's Ravenloft series, for which she's written three novels. I then met her again in the Star Trek Voyager series for which she has again written three novels. Instrument of Fate is her first venture into a world of her own creation, and she does so with the same excellent command of setting and character development I encountered in worlds not of her own creation.

Rating: Thumbs up! Delicately handled issues, a strong central plot, and vibrant characters make this a must read!

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 April 16, 1999.

Back Home Back to Starfire Reviews

| Tomes of Spellcasting | Tomes of Shadowstalking | Tomes of Starhopping |
| Tomes of Other Realms | Tomes of Costumed Adventurers | Tomes of Miscellany |
| Starfire Review Archive |

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page
1