The Still

Compelling...charged with plenty of action. -- Publishers Weekly

"A complex, unconventional fantasy from a writer who isn't afraid to take risks". -- Peter Heck, Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine

Young Prince Rodrigo is the heir to the throne of Caledon -- and the powerful magic that belongs to the kingdom's rulers. When his mother dies, leaving him at the mercy of his scheming uncle, the arrogant crown prince and his brother flee the castle, seeking support from the nobles of Caledon. On his journey, the fledgling king learns that friends are far more valuable than royal trappings, and that reclaiming his empire will require courage, statesmanship -- and winning the fiercest battle of his life.

When Queen Elana dies, underaged Rodrigo's status as the rightful king is instantly threatened by the ambitions of his uncle. Despite his personal shortcomings and manifest lack of readiness to rule, he has loyal friends and allies and they help him first to flee his uncle and, gradually, to fight and win the most important battle of the war for Caledon: the struggle to command himself. Only then can he begin to claim his kingdom.

This isn't a sanitized Fantasyland, nor is it a comfortable story. David Feintuch doesn't flinch from the violence and roughness of his medieval setting, and his depiction of Rodrigo's striving for self-confidence and the respect of others is hard-hitting and hard to put down. There's room for a sequel, but no real need: the coming-of-age story is the heart of this book, and it beats vividly.