Shapers of Darkness

Magical conspiracies run rampant in book four of Coe's Winds of the Forelands series (Rules of Ascension, etc.). Young Tavis of Curgh, judged a traitor by his former friends thanks to the evil Qirsi mastermind known as the Weaver, has joined forces with the mysterious Qirsi shaper Grinsa jal Arriet in a desperate quest to uncover the Weaver's true identity. Meanwhile, the Weaver's agents skillfully manipulate the lords of the Forelands, splintering formerly stable alliances and stirring up distrust and civil unrest. Fearing treachery within his own ranks, the Weaver has ordered the spy Keziah to murder his former agent, Cresenne ja Terba, now Grinsa's lover. Little does the Weaver know, Keziah has already turned on him and joined others determined to defeat the Qirsi wizard. While those familiar with previous events will welcome the increasingly complex plot, new readers are likely to find themselves often referring to the volume's character list. Fans of Terry Goodkind's brand of fantasy intrigue will be pleased.