[Book Review] Awakened Mage (Kingmaker, Kingbreaker 2) by Karen Miller (Orbit)

My son really liked this series and recommended it to me. This takes off right after the cliffhanger at the end of Innocent Mage. Prince Gar becomes King and makes Asher the Ambassador of Olken Affairs. But Morg, the evil wizard is still trapped in a broken body, fighting to get out and threaten the kingdom again which he also eventually does. But Asher and Gar is up against much more the whole social structure is at stake as well as the survival of the people as foretold in the Prophesy. But everything is not what it seems.

The way the story evolves is quite dark and foreboding, the pacing is better here than in the first book even if I enjoyed the character developments there better. I am weak for coming of age stories especially when they are about discovering your powers. Asher is more miserable and pressed here which is natural, as he is from all sides; even his loved ones have hidden agendas for him.

Dialog is one of Karen Millers strengths which she shows again in this novel. I also like that we learn more about the other characters around Asher. Some of them have great character development. I am not entirely happy with Asher and Dathne’s romance though, but that could be just me. I am picky when it comes to love. But that would be my only real complaint against an otherwise decent fantasy novel.

Awakened Mage is mostly about Asher in the role of the savior and how he and the people around him grow into the Prophesy. This is not a fast paced action and it invites more to contemplation than celebration in the end. I would still recommend it as it is quite enjoyable fantasy.

Reviewer: Ove Jansson
Rating: 7/10

Information

Title: Awakened Mage
Series: Kingmaker, Kingbreaker 2
Author: Karen Miller
Genre: Fantasy
Paperback: 678 pages
Publisher: Orbit (2006, 1st 2005)
Copy: Bought it for my son

"The evil foretold has risen ... and we are all that stands between it and the end."

Asher has come a long way for a fisherman's son. Together with his friend Prince Gar, he has defended their kingdom against its bitterest enemy, but at great cost.

Now, the evil mage Morg is preparing for his most deadly assault. Desperate, trapped in a broken body, Morg has little time and fewer scruples. And he has a plan.

As Gar and Asher unwittingly fall into a dangerous deception, Morg gets ever closer to his goal. And this victory would be particularly sweet'for who better to destroy the kingdom than the two who would give anything to save it?