The Riven Kingdom: Godspeaker: Book Two

The Riven Kingdom - Godspeaker 2 Book Summary and Study Guide

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Unfortunately for Marlan, there are other forces at work. The Royal Toymaker, Dexterity Jones, is guided by the ghost of his dead wife to save Rhian, and thus Ethrea, from the clutches of Marlan.

by Miller, Karen

Aided by Dexterity's friend Ursa and a strange man called Zandakar who he has recently rescued from slavery, they attempt to ensure that the monarchy continues to rule Ethrea. This complete change of direction gives the book an entirely different feel to the previous instalment.

Although they are seeking power in the same way as Hekat was, the characters seem a lot less driven and less likely to want to win at all costs. This means that they are a lot more likeable and you get more of a feel for them as people, rather than just as power crazed individuals. Admittedly Marlan is prepared to do whatever it takes to seize power, but even he feels quite laid back about it, compared to Hekat in Mijak.

The larger cast of characters does mean they don't have quite the same well drawn personalities as from Empress. The Dukes in particular seem to blend into one another and even the major characters are separated more by their particular skills than by the way they act or are described. The pace of the story is a lot less frantic as well.

This time around, they're all trying to get somewhere to achieve things, rather than going off to war to kill and conquer and leave bloodshed behind them. Their aims are a lot purer and, whilst time is tight, they take things a lot slower and deal with events as they occur, rather than setting out to bend events to their timeframe. What was especially interesting was that there were occasional asides to see how things were going in Mijak.

Existing fans of the series may recognise Zandakar's name as the exiled eldest son of Hekat, but in his new guise, even he seems a lot more relaxed in Ethrea than he ever was under his mother's power in Mijak. Although there is very little from the Mijak side of things here, what little there is provides a stark contrast to the style and pace of life in Ethrea.

The Riven Kingdom

The down side to all this is that it means The Riven Kingdom really doesn't offer anything new. For all the distaste I felt for the Mijaki way of life in Empress , it was at least something different. However, none of the ideas here allow for that same perspective, as the way of life in Ethrea, the battle between church and monarchy and the ruling system of Duchies under a King have all been seen in any number of places before. Zandakar and his ways are about the only things that seem out of place in the relaxed Ethrean world which, of course, is exactly what he is.

This left me with torn feelings about The Riven Kingdom. It's a much easier read than Empress and in terms of events and characters, was more enjoyable. But because there was very little new here, it did make things feel a little dull at times. Dex, Ursa and Zandakar follow to rescue her from there. When Marlan visits her, he abuses her, pressuring her to choose Rulf as a candidate. Then, Dex learns that Zandakar prays to a being named Chalava. Afterwards, they take the princess and leave for Duchy Linoi. During the travels, Rhian becomes attracted to Zandakar and learns fighting from him.

Rhian tells Dex she's to marry Alasdair and her plan, to which he's shocked. Soon, they are attacked by robbers and they witness Zandakar's frightening fighting skills. Finally, they reach Duchy Linoi and are greeted by a surprised Alasdair. In Mijak, Hekat leads the warriors, to Dimmi's dismay, to the dessert and sacrifices thousands of slaves in the desert. In Ethrea, Alastir agrees to the plan but doesn't trust Zandakar.

Helfred agrees to marry Rhian and Alasdair. Ludo, Alastir's cousin, is made duke of Linoi. Zandakar tells Dex about his troubled past after being forced and Rhian continues training. All four nobles come to Linoi and are outraged after learning about Rhian's marriage. As they argue, Dex comes into the room, illuminated blue and becomes a prophet. He warns everyone of a disaster to come. Hettie shows him a vision of the past, where Dimmi has conquered a city.

He's unhappy to see the bloodshed and malicious of the warhost. In the capital, Marlan accuses the council members, including Linoi, of plotting and places three members in jail. In Linoi, tension begins between Rhian and Alastir. Two dukes support her and two dukes don't leaving for the capital. Everyone agrees to go to the capital and on the way, Dex heals a dying boy, gaining respect for himself and Queen Rhian.

In the capital, Marlan speaks with outraged dukes and he forms a plan of revenge.

The Riven Kingdom: Godspeaker: Book Two

Ambassador Lai of Tzhung-tzhungchai subtly warns Marlan that they are watching the internal strife. Upon reaching the capital and staying at an inn, an assassin is sent for Rhian but she kills him instead. He was Marlan's loyal man. Helfred receives a message from God and knows he's to confront Marlan.

He leaves for the palace and is thrown in jail by Marlan for defiance. There, he meets the council members who are weary and not in the right state of mind.

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Rhian and company move towards the palace and are stopped by the King's guard and Marlan, with Helfred on a donkey. Chaos ensues and is halted by the prophet and miracle maker, Dex, who Marlan defies. After touching Dex, Marlan dies. Helfred is chosen as the next Prolate. The next day, Rhian converses with her council when Emperor Han of Tzuhung-tzuhungchai visits unexpectedly.

Zandakar is summoned and the conquest of Mijak is exposed. Han wishes to speak with Rhian. In Mijak, the warhost has reached Icthia. The ocean separates them from other nations and Hekat vows to rule the world with her son, Zandakar. Best part of story, including ending:

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