The second book in the Tyrants and Kings series, following The Jackal of Nar, continues to explore the fallout from the ruthless plans of now-dead King Arkus of the Iron Throne to unite the land in a vast, evil Black Renaissance. Prince Richius Vantran, the Jackal of Nar, was one of Arkus's star pupils, along with his one-time friend, the black-hearted Count Renato Biagio. After Arkus's death, Vantran broke with Biagio and his bloody plans, losing his wife, Sabrina, and barely escaping with his own life. Now he just lives quietly in hiding with his new wife and their beloved baby daughter. Unfortunately Biagio is determined to wreak his revenge on Vantran, even in the midst of civil war between the Black Renaissance and worshippers of the God of Light, led by Archbishop Herrith. Biagio schemes to bring down Herrith with a pair of secret weapons designed in his infamous war labs. In the meantime he sends his most trusted servant, Simon Darquis, to kidnap Vantran's daughter, unaware that the Jackal has been persuaded to lead an armada against Biagio's forces at the port of Crote. John Marco's novel stands out in the crowded field of epic fantasy due to its unique blend of magical and historical detail. He manages a reasonably satisfying conclusion here, while leaving plenty of loose ends for successive books sure to contain equally large helpings of bloody intrigue and gripping action. --Charlene Brusso
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