Dark Haven (Chronicles of the Necromancer)

by: Gail Z. Martin

Published by: Solaris

Reviewed by Alex McGilvery

In Dark Haven, the third in Gail Z. Martin’s Chronicles of the Necromancer series, we pick up the action after Martris Drayke has regained the throne and Jonmarc Vahanian has been made Lord of Dark Haven. They quickly learn that gaining the title may be the easiest part of the job.

Jonmarc struggles with rebellious vayash moru who don’t wish to be ruled by a mortal, while Martris deals with rebellion and treachery on the edges of his kingdom and in his own palace. The trouble in Margolan is spreading as kingdoms line up to support or destroy Martris and all he loves. Dissatisfaction and plots brew and the future of the Winter Kingdoms is balanced on a knife’s edge. To make matters worse, the Flow–the source of magic–is becoming more erratic every day, and the lives of everyone in Margolan and beyond is at risk.

The characters of this book, both good and evil are well drawn. We meet a fascinating array of humans, both royal and not so royal. As Martris continues to struggle not only with his magic, but the responsibilities and costs of using it, we are introduced to ghosts and dimonns, vayash moru and vyrkin. The way that author Gail Z. Martin has reshaped the traditional vampire and werewolf adds to the depth of the story. Overall she weaves threads of religious and political tolerance and prejudice. The Winter Kingdoms are a complete and complex world with their own rules.

At six hundred pages this is not a short book, but I found it easy and enjoyable to read. Even the quieter interludes are interesting glimpses into this other world and become essential to understanding the nature of the conflict. While reading the first two books would give you a solid background in the characters and their world, jumping into this book never left me feeling confused or uncertain about what was occurring. My only complaint is that now I will have to wait for the next book.

Armchair Interviews says: Another good addition to the series for fantasy lovers.

Author’s Web site: www.TheWinterKingdoms.com