In the decaying kingdom of Jorsk, the search is on for the Chosen One, who will beat the realm's enemies back from the walls of the capital and solve every problem except the price of beer. Unfortunately, Chosen Ones have a nasty tendency to be killed. But widower Devlin Stonehand is desperate enough to seek the post, whose emoluments will permit him to support his brother's widow and children. Besides, he probably will achieve oblivion in death for himself. Instead he becomes the first Chosen One in a long time not to be annihilated in short order, and, while performing all the duties of his demanding post, he has to wonder why. If Bray doesn't startle us with her vast originality, she certainly hooks us with absorbing storytelling. A good read for adventure fans with like Raymond Feist or Terry Brooks. Roland Green
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