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Dragons' Onyx: Book Six of Sword of Heavens by Richard S. Tuttle
Commentary:
Enjoyed the Read Highly recommended 5 stars
Following a recap of the sword of heavens series
to date Writer Tuttle’s fertile imagination again drives him
forward. Dragons’ Onyx is filled many of the richly drawn
series characters we have come to enjoy. Dialog is fraught with
excitement. Settings rich in detail as Tuttle has filled his
previous works continue in this gripping narrative. Powerful
motivations, twists of story line, abundant conflict all are
presented with the same enthusiasm, fervor of setting and page
turning fast paced drama found in the previous offerings crafted by
this talented author. Dragons’ Onyx brings the reader
further into a land where craftiness and magic rule. We are again
treated to an abiding story peopled with characters who only improve
with each new offering. Victors grow more daring. Scoundrels are
more unscrupulous as they realize power is slipping away from them.
The young and intrepid continue aging, and still have not lost
exuberance or vitality.
Dragons’ Onyx continues Tuttle’s
fervid passion for the genre. Powerful motivations, cleverly
interwoven plot, profusely drawn settings filled with incertitude
are all part of what we have come to expect from this quick-witted
writer. The reader is drawn straight into the ongoing tale from the
opening paragraph of this installment when we read of Lattimer and
his realization that something has happened in the magic fold of the
world and is carried along on through the exhilarative struggle
waged by Arik and his followers. Reader interest is maintained right
down to the last paragraphs when Wyka praises Arik for accomplishing
what he must.
Excellent addition to the home library for the
fantasy enthusiast. Happy to recommend.
Synopsis: (May reveal
much of the plot)
King Arik has been crowned. Lattimer at the
castle of man feels a shudder in the magic field, realizes Arik is
crowned and ponders what will come next. Sarac has been growing more
and more angry, however now he is calm. The dragons’ onyx is the
next stone needed to complete the sword of heaven. Sarac tells
Lattimer he knows he has been confused, says his magic force lifted
off when the emerald was fitted into sword. Sarac learned the spell
for darkness from Alutar. Lattimer is surprised to learn Alutar has
tricked Sarac, and once the sword is complete and the darkness gone
Alutar will be returned. Lattimer has persuaded strongest dragon,
Gorga to Sarac’s side and not even Jenneva’s powers will thwart
Gorga in his determination to keep the onyx. Black devil Dalgar has
replaced Emperor Hanchi, Sarac wants Hanchi’s army to aid in his
plan to destroy the castle of Man, end the prophecy then find and destroy
Alutar.
Sarac must be killed with the sword of heaven,
Fredrik is practicing with the sword when Master Mustar arrives to
visit camp. Arik and his followers have been waiting for the emerald
to be restored to the sword. Mustar surprises Fredrik when he says
Arik must not be allowed to complete the sword of heavens. Fredrik
is confused because Mustar has come to stop Arik. Mustar knows
Alutar has fooled everyone. They think Alutar is locked away,
however this is not true. The darkness has not been destroyed, it
rolls away, and the darkness is alive with essence of Alutar when
the seventh stone is set in sword then Alutar will coalesce from the
darkness. It is Fredrik’s responsibility to explain Mustar’s
message to Arik. The onyx must be retrieved, Arik decides to deal
with the greater problem of Alutar after the onyx is returned to the
sword. Dragon Wyka aids Arik, Gorga has been suffering from dementia
for some time. With the return of the onyx the darkness is rolled
back, young dragons fly after the retreating darkness to see where
it has gone. Wyka is returned to her royal state. And Arik and his
followers are ready for the final quest to find the last stone
needed.
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