Dragonfly

Princess Tashi, steeped in the formal and ritualistic culture of the Blue Crescent Isles, finds herself bethrothed to the wild and irresponsible Prince Ramil ac Burinholt of Gerfal: both are appalled at the prospect of the marriage, arranged to strengthen their respective countries against the aggressively colonising Fergox Spearthrower.

After an unpropitious first meeting, the pair are kidnapped by Fergox, unceremoniously thrown together and determined to escape. This is the cue for a series of exhausting adventures, tangling with many colourful lives – circus artists, Horse Followers, rulers and slaves – through which Tashi and Ramil learn not only about themselves but also about the world they live in. There is much here about personal integrity, the sublimation of self for the good of the community and the need for respect and understanding of other cultures.

The tension is kept high but alternated with more reflective interludes which allow the relationship between Tashi and Ramil to change and develop but, on occasion, sentimentality raises its head and it is made rather too clear to the reader that a happy outcome is inevitable. Nevertheless, this is a long and satisfying read with entertaining if sometimes stereotypical characters which will more than hold the interest of good readers with stamina who enjoy their entertainment with a more thoughtful edge.