BOOK REVIEW
WOLFKIN
By: Elaine Corvidae
Hardshell Word Factory http://www.hardshell.com
© Copyright November 2001
ISBN: # 0-7599-0185-6
http://www.hardshell.com/detail.asp?prod...
Three hundred years ago, the kingdom of Caden was destroyed, its inhabitants, the race of Aclytes were scattered. Outcasts, living in ghettos, used for menial labor -- servants, slaves, and prostitutes-persecuted and hated. Only the Wolfkin are hated and feared more. Yozerf is perhaps the last of the Aclytes ruling caste, the Jonaglir, magicians with the power to become dragons, a power which was lost through the treachery of an immortal sorcerer, the Emperor Jahcgroth, ruler of Argannon. But Yozerf is a half breed, an outcast from his own people. His father was one of the Wolfkin.
Yozerf is set a task by the magician Ax, to protect a young noble woman, Trethya, who has proof that the young Queen Rozah has been betrayed and is being held prisoner by her Council and that the Council plans to marry her off to the Emperor Jahcgroth. According to Ax, this is the first step in Jahcgroth's plan to take over the kingdom of Jenel. Ax also sends Suchen, Lord Auglar's young female steward, to help Trethya reach safety. Traveling with her are Lord Auglar's own personal bodyguards, the Sworn.
The Council sends men and monsters after Trethya, Yozerf, Suchen, and the Sworn. Time and time again, Yozerf saves them as they fight their way through to Lord Auglar. Neither Yozerf nor Suchen and the Sworn trust each other. Old prejudices against the Aclytes, make it hard for them to accept Yozerf. When Yozerf saves Suchen during an attack and they are separated from her companions, Suchen begins to see a different side of Yozerf. A fragile relationship begins. An uneasy trust, a trust that Yozerf, who has learned never to trust anyone, is sure will end in hurt. He finds himself drawn to Suchen. Wolfkin, like wolves, mate for life. Yozerf doesn't believe that Suchen would give her love to an Aclyte or a Wolfkin, but he is unable to resist the attraction.
WOLFKIN is much about prejudice and mistrust. The characters are very real in their attitudes. Some are obviously prejudice, others more tolerant. Some are trusting, others mistrusting. There is a realism about this fantasy that is not usually found in fantasies. This is no heroic saga. These are no heros doing mighty deeds. Nor are these humble peasants raised up to do great and wonderful things. These are very real people struggling to be the best they can be within their all too human prejudices and failings.
