Assassin's Edge

Some nice surprises. The few things not completely wrapped up in the story were easy to conclude on your own. Very enjoyable.

The Assassin's Edge is the fifth novel in the Tales of Einarinn series, following The Warrior's Bond. In the previous volume, the Emperor has averted a growing conflict among the Houses over trade with Kellarin, opening such trade to all Houses. Moreover, he has foiled Tor Bezaemar's efforts to hamper the restoral of the magically dormant settlers of Kellarin. Furthermore, he has recognized Temar D'Alsennin as Sieur of his House with Kellarin as his domain and has designated other surviving nobles in Kellarin as cadet branches of House D'Alsennin.While the Emperor's decisions do not please everybody, D'Alsennin has gained the most from them and Tor Bezaemar has profited very little if any. D'Olbriot lost its monopoly, but still has very good relations with D'Alsennin. Sieur D'Olbriot, however, has released Ryshad from his service, citing conflicting loyalties, yet bestowed a generous parting gift in gold coin and promised an excellent recommendation.In this novel, Ryshad and Livak have sailed to Kellarin and joined the colony. Ryshad is acting as steward to the Sieur D'Alsennin and Livak has been keeping busy with various activities. She is thinking of becoming a wine merchant, using her contacts in Tormalin and elsewhere to ship the merchandise to her.Unfortunately, shipping has become a problem. When the first ship of the season fails to appear on time, the settlers are worried. But when Guinalle receives a sending from Parrail indicating that his ship has been captured, the Kellarin leadership soon looks for the problem and discovers that pirates on Suthyfer are intercepting ships coming to Kellarin. An expedition is formed to clear the islands of pirates and release the captives.In this story, the expedition leadership finds that the pirates have magical assistance from Elietimm adepts. Once again, Ryshad, Livak and their friends are facing the hostile magic of the Ice Islanders. They decide that it is time to confront these enemies on their own soil.This is the final volume in the Tales of Einarinn series. However, this world has room for other stories, past or future, and such would surely delight the readership. Let us hope that the author hasn't totally abandoned this world.Highly recommended for McKenna fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of various forms of magics in conflict, as well some desperate blade work.-Arthur W. Jordin