Slaves of the Mastery (The Wind on Fire, Book 2)

The second book in the 'Wind on Fire' series starts from a less familiar perspective and situation than its predecessor, 'The Wind Singer', which may be why I didn't feel as immediately engaged in the plot. Five years have passed since Kestrel and Bowman Hath rescued the city of Aramanth from the

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power of the Morah and although life has become more equal, the city is weaker and its citizens less focused. This leaves them ripe for plunder by Ortiz Semeon, a young man whose desire to please his master is only equaled by his pride in his skills. His brisk and merciless attack on the city means the Manth people are enslaved once more and begin the long trek to reach the Mastery, a strange world that revolves around the Master, who, like many despots, believes that he enslaves people for their own good. In the haste, Kestrel is left behind in the dying city, but soon embarks upon a quest to find her people and avenge them by destroying their captor.

The early section of the novel is possibly the most interesting as Kestrel and Bowman, used to acting together, are forced to rely upon their own skills to survive and eventually attempt to overcome the Mastery. They do both have to learn to revise their initial judgements of people to accept a more complex personality than initial meetings would suggest, and they both use their positions as confidantes to their advantage. Gradually, the two tales come together as the Mastery prepares for a wedding and several characters are involved in love triangles that will surely ruin the big day.

The cruelty of the characters involved in the majestic Mastery is best exemplified by the dance they have developed: the manaxa. This involves beautiful, controlled movements like a dance, but the two participants have deadly armour on their arms and legs which they use to attack each other, sometimes to the death. The beauty and violence of the manaxa is a perfect symbol for the Mastery as a whole, which is beautiful and seductive but irrevocably founded on violence. The descriptions of characters reactions to the manaxa exemplify human response, which is Nicholson's skill: even in surreal situations, characters respond in a way that is in keeping with human behaviour: no character is one dimensional.

Due to the more war like nature of this story, I did find the plot less engaging than that of 'The Wind Singer', but it flowed neatly - albeit without much suspense - aided by the clear narration and interludes introducing the Singer people. The joy of the novel is in the characters' dialogue and actions. For example, a travelling King wishes to place blame on someone for the slow progress of his carriage. His advisor suggests that perhaps if they ceased stopping for the daily dancing lessons…and for lunch…and for the rest after lunch…and for dinner, then the carriage might move rather more quickly. The King agrees in theory, but quickly recants after discussion with his daughter because they need the daily dancing lessons outside…and the lunch…and the rest after lunch…and after dinner. Perhaps they do not need the thirty thousand armed men who are following them on foot? suggests the advisor. No, no, if there was a battle they will be essential. The King then insists that whoever is to blame for the slow progress of the carriage should be found, blamed and punished. The advisor simply acquiesces, bows and withdraws. This kind of understated humour is often found in the sections of the narrative that follow Kestrel and add real pleasure to the reading.

So is it worth reading? Yes, but you may find that it is less compelling than its predecessor due to greater focus on characters rather than plot. Of course, you may prefer that greater focus and find that keeps you hooked. Will I read the third in the series, 'Firesong'? Yes, but largely because I want to find out if Mumpo, possibly one of the most sympathetic characters, can ever achieve his dream. Otherwise, the Singer people are starting to become a little too fantastical for me personally.

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Book 2 of the Wind On Fire trilogy. I found the characters much more defined and interesting than they had been in Book 1. A good sequel.

Even better than the first of the trilogy. Characters are more developed and again William Nicholson creates a rich new world for the setting.

Still, I can't help but feel that the number of ideas for fantasy realms he has created are worthy of being explored in greater depth. He has almost used too

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many good ideas in this short trilogy.

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Twin sister and brother Kestrel and Bowman Hath are living peacefully in their now egalitarian society after having endured a totalitarian regime most of their lives (this is covered in book 1 of the Wind of Fire Trilogy). However this state of affairs doesn't last long when an ambitious young

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soldier decides to capture the entire town as slaves for the people of the Mastery. The methods used to keep captured slaves compliant are incredibly cruel, so the people have no choice but to let themselves be led to their new masters. While the raid takes place, Kestrel and Bowman are separated, with the boy and other family members taken in captivity while Kestrel is left behind to make her way to safety. Along the road, she meets a young and extremely beautiful princess travelling in great pomp who takes her under her wing. The twins each use their great intelligence and special skills to get their family back together again while also doing all they can to overthrow the oppressive regime, with the girls also having to fend off the advances of dangerously enamoured men. And exciting adventure story which is rather unique, as was the first book. Both are highly recommended.

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