Oracle
Michelle West
DAW, May 5 2015, $25.95
ISBN: 9780756410094
In the Essalieyan Empire, having survived several
magical and otherwise assassination attempts and the betrayal by her treasonous
Council (see Battle), House Terafin leader Jewel
Markess ATerafin feels trapped between her two prime choices for the immediate
future. Jewel knows she must confront
the Oracle and its challenge to save her house, the most powerful of the ruling
Ten, and consequently her city from the schism that splits both dangerously. However she also fears that while on her
odyssey the lethal visions she foresees of the assault from below will expedite
the downward spiral to the point of no return.
Thus feeling she has no good course of action, Jewel begins her trek as
the lesser of two horrific options.
The capital further spins out of control while
Jewel travels on her quest. As the city
falls increasingly into a death throe; in spite of evidence to the contrary,
Jester misreads the truths re Finch. At
the same time Birgit becomes a Warden.
The sixth House War (see Skirmish) is an exhilarating entry that
focuses more on the Jester and Birgit subplots than Jewel’s journey; making the
latter’s trip feel more as an excuse to get her out of the city though in
fairness she achieves much of her objective.
Even though Oracle is a thrilling tale, the
overarching theme seemingly takes a side step.
Harriet Klausner
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