Item: Honor's Paradox
Rating: 5.00
Author: danielleackleymcphail

by P. C. Hodgell

The sequel to Bound in Blood and exciting sixth entry in
the Godstalker Chronicles by epic fantasy world-builder extraordinaire,
P.C. Hodgell.
Jame is one of the last of the Kencyrath line, born to battle a
world-destroying Lord of Darkness and resuscitate her ancestral heritage.
Jame’s youth was spent hard and low in a desert wasteland. Now she has
discovered her past and her heritage as Highborn — and, with it, the power
to call souls out of their bodies and slay the occasional god or two (as well as
to resurrect them). First, though, Jame must survive the politics and dangers of
haunted Tentir College, a school for warriors where she’s a student. Then,
just as graduation approaches, Jame’s exemption from the sacred laws of
the tribe of her youth expires and she is expected to wed immediately,
plus take on a family. To make matters worse, she’s challenged to a
mounted combat duel to decide who is Tentir's “top gun” — a
competition she must win to graduation. It’s trial by fire, as Jame moves
closer to a magnificent destiny she both fears — and knows she must
face.

Can it be? I think this is actually the first time I've read this one. I was amazed and delighted. How Ms. Hodgell can keep such continuity and energy in a series that was started at least twenty-five years ago shows true mastery of her craft. Through the six books I have just read in order, not once did I notice a thread dropped or turned wrong. Even while I'm wishing something nice would happen to my favorite, Jame, I recognize every instance of calamity remains true to her nature. I love seeing the way she flows past the pitfalls, though thankfully not unscathed. This book and the entire series is so delightfully unpredictable.

I wouldn't want to visit such a rich and treacherous universe, but I absolutely love peering into it.

Honor's Paradox (Kencyrath, #6)

by P. C. Hodgell

Reviewed by Danielle Ackley-McPhail on Jul 22, 2014

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