Review: Eagle-Sage by David B. Coe

The mage Jaryd is currently unbound, lacking a hawk or owl familiar. He waits patiently to find a new one, but is frustrated. One morning he discovers his new familiar and becomes afraid. It is an eagle, harbinger of war. This is the beginning of the final book in the Lon Tobyn Chronicle of Eagle-Sage by David B. Coe. The author creates an exciting climax to his trilogy with interesting characters, an action plot and strong conflicts.

In the final book, the author has his characters continue to grow and adds some new ones, which keeps them interesting. Jaryd has matured into a strong mage with a family and some doubts. He is catapulted into the position of a leader when he binds to an eagle. This creates a lot of tension for him and his fellow mages. His uncle, Baden, must come to terms about his aging. Melyor of Lon Ser is now a Sovereign and has changed. She is having trouble with people that do not like her changes. Responsibility helps her continue to grow. A minor character in the first two books, Cailin has moved to a primary position. She is a young woman with a tragic past who must learn how to maneuver in politics to save her people. All of the characters possess realistic personalities that readers can identify with throughout the book. They help keep the plot intriguing.

The plot of this book contains a lot of action to keep a person reading. It moves back and forth between the nations of Tobyn Ser and Lon Ser. Melyor, Sovereign of Bragor-nal, survives several assassination attempts. She must discover who is behind the attacks and stop them. In Tobyn Ser, the mages of the land are divided. There is the Order, League and free mages, all factions disagreeing with the other. Jaryd bonds to an eagle, which means the land will soon be at war. The mages must figure out who the war is against and hope it will not turn into a civil war. Mr. Coe blends these plot elements into a riveting whole with plenty of action that hooks a reader completely.

Finally, the strong conflicts between characters and ideals gives the book a strong incentive for keeping readers interested. The Order of Amarid, sundered previously, has an Eagle Sage. They must forge an alliance with the League, but face strong opposition. They cannot figure out who the enemy is. Along with this, they face trouble from the Temple of Arick whose Keepers have obtained technological weapons from Lon Ser. A group of free mages adds to the conflict with their search for recognition. Cailin is the youngest member of the League. She must contend with Erland to help protect the land. The conflicts pail when the enemy is discovered. These conflicts make the book a compelling read.

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