Magician’s Law

Michael Scott 1987 Buy from Amazon.com

Tales of the Bard in many ways epitomises what I expect from a good fantasy series. It is a series I’ve read several times now, it’s fun and interesting and has a dark side, central characters really die, and the ones that don’t develop as they go along. I find it amazing enough when authors manage to create interesting, multi-dimensional characters, let alone develop them over the course of a story.

The trilogy describes the adventures of Paedur the Bard, God-sought, God-taught, known as Hook-Hand, Shanaqui, and the Champion of the Old Faith. In the legend-building events of the trilogy Michael Scott has written a story that can be appreciated on a number of levels.

It is a classically styled fantasy trilogy, with gods, monsters, heroes and heroines, a King-in-the-making, some good fight scenes and a fully developed history. There is a complete pantheon of both Old and New Gods, and a richly described history with notable figures reappearing through magical and mysterious means. The characters are appealing and quickly begin to feel familiar, and the plot proceeds in a clear and graceful manner.

It is also a story about the clash of two religions, the Old and the New, no beating about there, and the passion and fanaticism of their adherants. The beautiful thing about religious wars in novels is that the necessity for providing believability means they actually need to have a logical reason for the fighting. The Old and New Gods are vying for believers, for belief is substance, and without belief they will fade away. So killing the opposing faction has a useful purpose in this reality.

Paedur the Bard is chosen by the Pantheon of the Old Faith to be their Champion, they are losing the war and the Emperor has instituted the New Religion as the official faith. Kutor is the Emperor’s bastard brother, and Paedur convinces him to make a try for the throne, knowing that he is a supporter of the Old Faith, the main problem being that Kutor is only a bandit in the wilderness. The Bard finds allies for him in Owen, the Weapon Master, and his slave/companion Tien tZo, and sends them to find Kutor’s forces.

Paedur meanwhile must travel to the Blessed Isle of the Culai, the First Race, to prevent the New Religion from unleashing a force that will destroy the Planes of Existence. He meets with Tuan, a mercenary sailor, and Cliona, Priestess of the Old Faith, who are to aid him in his quest.

Overall it’s a damn fine read, perfect for settling down with over a few days without distractions.

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