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!

Title: The Baker's Boy
Author: J. V. Jones
Publisher: Warner Aspect
Format: Paperback
Copyright Date: 1995

Intrigue abounds as warring factions in the court of the Four Kingdoms seek to acquire as much power as possible while the king lies bedridden courtesy of an earlier plot. However, the petty plots of a kingdom cannot compare to the scheming that goes on across the Known Lands. In Rorn a corrupt archbishop dabbles in politics and sorcery while consolidating his hold on the city's wealth. The duke of Bren seeks an alliance with the Four Kingdoms. The Knight of Valdis, Tyren, has twisted the knighthood from nobility to greed. Baralis, the king's chancellor, is playing all sides against the middle with himself at the top. And what do a aged wiseman, a nobleman's rebellious daughter, an honorable knight of Valdis, the treacherous seers of Larn, and a baker's boy discovering strange new powers within himself have to do with it all?

The Baker's Boy has more subplots and undercurrents than Castle Harvell has secret passages, but the reader who loves such stories will absolutely enjoy this book. At times the stories may become so twisted and intertwined that the reader will be left scratching his or her head, but perseverance will clear up any confusion. Sorcery receives surprisingly--and refreshingly--limited stage time, but the sorcerors in this book all have other dark talents to employ and enjoy, such as poisoning and sadism.

I found the many intrigues to be the books most captivating feature. It's amazing how so many people can be dabbling in so many things without turning the entire world upside and plunging it into chaos. I especially like the way Baralis and Maybor, two of the primary schemers, are constantly thwarting each other and having their own plots suffering failure from chance and coincidence. The one thing I didn't like was the extensive lecherous activity going on, from discreet assignations to "rutting" in the pantry. Still, it does have its purpose in shaping the characters.

This is J.V. Jones' first book, and is the first book in The Book of Words trilogy. It's a long book--552 pages in the U.S. paperback edition--but every page is worth reading. It has everything a reader could ever want: suspense, romance, intrigue, the works! Oh, and did I mention comic relief? You'll get it all if you just sit down, pick up the book, and start reading!

Rating: Thumbs up! Not for the timid of heart or prudish, but open game to everyone else!

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