October 2, 1996
Though Norton (Elvenblood), born in 1912, often writes with a collaborator now, she flies solo in what's billed as the final entry in her most popular and acclaimed series, which began 33 years ago with the novel Witch World. When Alizondern nobles throw open the Gates to other worlds, allowing evil free access to the four corners of the Witch World globe, it is only through the combined heroic actions of all of the planet's disparate and uneasily allied forces of Light that its inhabitants may manage to save themselves. The novel ties together stories from the lives of many previously established characters, including Simon Tregarth, Destree, Jaelithe, the Keplian Mares, the Falconers and the Lady Frost. It also introduces a host of newcomers, such as Liara of Alizondern, who strives to right the tragedy her people have set in motion; Gruck, an otherworldly guardian from beyond the Gates who becomes companion to Destree; and Audha, a talented Sulcar girl who holds the key to Witch World's continued survival. The narrative interweaves various magical battles with a passionate striving for morality and good. Though the patchwork nature of the writing makes for an uneven read, readers already invested in this fabulous world and its enchanted characters should relish this last act in one of fantasy's most enduring spectacles.
September 15, 1996
In this final "Witch World" novel, various characters from the series' books join together to use their magic to close the breaches between their world and the invading dark forces. Highly recommended for fantasy collections to complete the series.
September 1, 1996
If this book is, as it is billed, the last Witch World novel, it brings to a close one of the authentic masterpieces of American fantasy. A solo effort by Norton (not all the Witch World yarns have been), it is a set of three novellas and appropriate interstitial material that add up to the story of how the gates of the Witch World, through which so many have entered, are finally closed. We meet a grandson of Simon Tregarth, Eleeni from Key (see "Key of the Keplian" ), at least four of Norton's beloved cats, and numerous other worthy folk, human and otherwise. Norton does not tie up all the loose ends the saga has cast out during more than 30 years, but she does include a considerable amount of the seemly pairing off. Altogether, this is a worthy coda to the vast saga and an essential item for most fantasy collections. ((Reviewed Sept. 1, 1996))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1996, American Library Association.)