Book Diary Entry: Fangs of K’ath II Guardians of Light Review

Book: Fangs of K’ath II Guardians of Light
Author: Paul Kidd
Pages: 337
Hard Core Scale: 2.5/4
Normal Scale: 7/10
Publish Date: 2005 


About: Raschid and his family have lived in relative peace. However, from the northern steps a great Khan and his horde begin moving on the world threatening all Raschid has built, worked hard for, and loved so dear.


Review: Paul’s clockwork plays out again. However we now removed from Rashid and Sandhri’s story. One can argue about a sequels purpose when a work wraps up perfectly fine and well. Escalation is usually the answer and it is not healthy. This is a different story about a fight for the world. A lot of beauty is lost here in none stop ugliness of war (one could argue that is the point, but in the intense action there is little pause for breathe or reflection). The fairytale sense is gone. The plot hole of the first book is answered here, the hole is plugged. For someone like me starring at the hole still questions the sealant a bit, but Sandhri would just bop me on the nose as she often does to those who question the story.  However, this story has a plot that rests heavily on plot of convenience.  Always in questions the obfuscating actions of antagonists at times. Such could be debated if it needed to happen or not in observing the agents on the stage. It strips a lot out of character believably. Important characters are also stripped of their agency and they become moot points. It is also sad as there are very few of Sandri's stories therein. A very special charm that dominates the first book. Still, it is incredibly written by Paul’s hand as always. Folks who enjoy fantasy will still enjoy this even if less magical than the first one. Paul’s ending here is still as haunting in its reflection of our hopes in the modern world as analyst. A superior master of Author’s promise; that is for sure. 


 Fangs of Kaath Cover: Kitsune Press 2004 by Monika Livingstone

 

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