The Cutting Edge

I picked up book two of this series in hardcover on the sale rack of a local bookstore. After that read I set out to find the complete series in Hardcover. This first book in the series introduces all of the characters and sets the stage for a conflict that spans another three novels. The author weaves the story line into plausible embodiments of the quotes from great literature that follow many of the chapters. Although this work is high fantasy in the tradition of Tolkien I find Duncan's work easier to read. Further, Duncan posses a unique voice and an imaginative view of magic which distinguish him from other writers who merely rehash hackneyed plots.A very enjoyable read that more than fulfills its role in inspiring the reader to find out how the whole epic ends.

There are few writers that can create such visually brilliant worlds using words and tapping into the reader's imagination, but Dave Duncan is one of them. "The Cutting Edge" marks the first book in the "A Handful of Men" series, the follow up to the previous "Man of His Word", where Krasengar's genius stableboy Rap tracks across country in search of the missing Princess who should be placed upon the throne as Queen. Along the way he manages to alienate the four Wardens and even defy the Gods themselves. "The Cutting Edge" reveals what has happened to our characters many years down the line. Rap and Inos happily married with children and rulers of their beloved tiny nation. But it seems that all is not well in the magical ambience as many things Rap had done in the previous series come back to haunt him and throw the entire continent into disarray, not excluding the Wardens! The ex-warden Zinixo who Rap had stripped of sorcery is back from his imprisonment with a legion of magically branded sorcerers as slaves to do his bidding...Most of the favorites from this first series have returned, including the little Prince Shandie who's now in the seat of power as the Emperor of the Impire! There are many surprises in store for those who have read the "A Man of His Word" series, and many things are revealed that had been left as speculation even as the previous series came to its close. The ingenious magical system is further fleshed out, and Duncan weaves an equally magical story to boot. Those that love their books very character driven with more than just the vague hint of fantasy will be delighted with this as well as the rest of the series. One word of note: The first 100 pages or so are not quite as action pack or memorable as the rest of this book, or the other three for that matter, but they are necessary in setting up the story and a major player in the series... Sit back and enjoy this one!

Although I am a long-time fantasy addict, this is the first Dave Duncan novel I have ever read. It will certainly not be the last. The world of Pandemia is peopled with diverse human races, all sharing certain characteristics of the mythic creatures of our world for which they have been named. Yet they all behave in such purely human ways that the reader comes to care for every one of the main characters. To my mind, that is the first mark of a good read. Then when the author produces such intriguing happenings in their world for them to react to, spinning a story that haves the reader wondering always where the next twist in the tale will lead them, and seasoning the story with humour well put throughout, there is no longer any doubt. Pandemia is a great place to get away from the neverending task of trying to make sense of the real world - even if only for a few hours. In this book the groundwork is laid and we get to know a handful of men - and women - whose strengths and flaws make them belivable if not always realistic. What they must do to save the peace and prosperity of their world I do not know - but reading "The Cutting Edge" has certainly made me avid to find out!

Dave Duncan continues to bring Rap deeper into the mysterious ways of the Gods. Rap, believing that his life is now normal, settles peacefully in Krasnegar, and has found that the Gods and Warlocks have other plans. This book is a DEFINITE MUST READ for anyone who enjoys magic, castles, and mystery (and Dave Duncan of course).