This novel picks up a couple months after the end of The Ladies of Mandrigyn, and if it isn't as surprising as that novel was it is no less delightful. While Starhawk has responded with her usual calm to all the changes in their fortunes, Sun Wolf is still assimilating the new needs his power places on his way of life and his new relationship with Starhawk specifically and women in general. Of course he immediately clashes with another strong-minded, aristocratic, redheaded woman, but Kaletha is very definitely not Sheera Galernas.The Witches of Wenshar delves deeper into the magic system that Hambly has set up for this world, and if none of it rocked my world with originality, its very familiarity let Hambly continue exploring the things obviously dear to her heart: her characters and the role of women in the world. In the course of the novel, Sun Wolf goes through the same series of revelations that Starhawk went through in The Ladies of Mandrigyn when she was stuck in Pergemis with Ram & Orris and their family, and his melancholy as a result is handled with a wonderful delicacy.This novel is actually better paced than its predecessor was; Sun Wolf and Starhawk are never separated by more than a day's ride, so the shifting between perspectives is much smoother because they are both party to the same events. There are no large battle scenes for Hambly to choreograph, the action all taking place among small bands of people or individuals, so there were never any moments when I lost track of who was doing what. And the denouement, though I could see it coming a mile a way, still drew a snicker from me. All in all, this novel was just as enjoyable as The Ladies of Mandrigyn, and that is no mean feat. I am eagerly awaiting getting my hands on a copy of the conclusion to this trilogy.
What a wonderful character Starhawk is! Not only is she a formidably kick-butt warrior woman (and Hambly writes about her in such a way that you can really BELIEVE she's a competent fighter, a feat not always managed by those who attempt to write about woman warriors), but she has a powerful sense of integrity, and she never whines. At all. I also appreciate it that she forms bonds of friendship with other women around her, even when they don't always deserve her regard. The romance is a subplot in this novel, second to the magical mystery the hero and heroine must solve, but it stands out for me because it's downright refreshing to see a love story between two mature adults who act like adults. Sun Wolf's and Starhawk's scenes together are more romantic than 90% of the couple's interactions in what's labeled "paranormal romance" these days. They are two independent human beings who delight in each other's company -- smart, highly competent fighters who happen to love one another.
Do You like book The Witches Of Wenshar (1997)?
This is the second book of the Sun Wolf trilogy. If you read The Ladies of Mandrigyn first, this book will make a lot more sense to you.At the end of the first book, Sun Wolf has discovered he is a wizard.He leaves seeking a wizard to train him. He has lots of power, being strong willed and smart, but does not know how to handle it.He ends up in the fortress of Tandieras, and is soon caught up in the local intrigues. People are being murdered by unknown means. When Sun Wolf visit the nearby city of Wenshar, as a wizard he can FEEL evil all around.This is an excellent follow up to the first book. The characters of Sun Wolf and Starhawk are developed more. Another notable character is Princess Tazwind.Lots of excitement and adventure, up to Hambly's usual standard. Higly recommended for fans of fantasy and advneture.
—Mary JL
Enjoyable Sword & Sorcery bash, with a pretty even mix of the two.
—Derek (Guilty of thoughtcrime)
