The Sage

The sequel to Stasheff's Shaman takes place five centuries later. The shaman Ohearn has been sleeping since he defeated the evil demigod Ulahane, but now Ulahane's son Bolenkar is seeking power and unleashing people's worst instincts all over the land. Ohearn needs to forge not only a sword to kill Bolenkar but also a wielder of the sword, so he faces the task of turning a lazy, thieving young man into a hero. Needless to say, this he accomplishes quite satisfactorily, and the Good triumphs. Before then comes a well-told tale. Stasheff has not lost his knack for keeping us turning pages, and he handles the theme that it doesn't take much to bring out the worst in people particularly well. Oh, maybe this volume doesn't quite stand on its own, but whoever liked its predecessor will be well pleased.