Shadow of the Scorpion: The Everdark Wars: Book 2

Perian Dawnstar Alt Harbinnen and her lifemate Randrik are of the ancient line that had once banished the Souleater, Azdrefel. Now Azdrefel has been let loose again and the Magi Darak has sent them on a mission to put him back into the Everdark and close the door once and for all. Fighting off the Hound and the Harpies, Darak takes them to the Tower of Sorcerers, only to find none of the Magi wants Perian or Randrik there. While waiting for Darak to heal from his wounds, Randrik learns all he can, in the library, to find a way to beat the Souleater. The Magi had taken a vow three thousand years ago to never help the other races again, to only observe but never to help. They would soon learn that Randrik was heir of Harbin and the new Archmagi, he will break their code of non-involvement, if he lives through this mission.

Leaving the Tower after the confrontation, Randrik and Perian find their way to White Haven where the guard, Altani, that had recognized them in Midbury, took them into custody; Perian back to the Temple and Randrik to the cell to be tried for kidnapping of an Temple Adept. Only when Perian is taken by Chief Elder Aldobras and four Servants to Azdrefel, Randrik knows he has to get to her without fail or all is lost including their unborn son. The roads they will have to travel will not only be fraught with danger but will also test the trust between them.

Ms. Burton has written an astounding novel that will take the reader into the land of fantasy that at times is so real the reader will feel the heat and smell the odor of the burnt land. This author definitely knows what the readers are looking for and gives it to them again and again. I cannot just pick one scene, as they are all extraordinary and seamlessly woven together. I’ll be re-reading this one over and over.

Reviewed by: Donna