Compass of the Soul

The Compass of the Soul (1999) Sean Russell

The sequel (and conclusion) to Beneath the Vaulted Hills, The Compass of the Soul continues the story of Erasmus Flattery, Countess Chilton, Anna Fielding, Lord Eldrich, and those who have gathered around them in the struggle for the fate of magic.

As with the previous book, the supporting characters were one of the strengths of the book. We continue to learn not just about Erasmus, but also about Anna and Randall as the story progresses. And in this book we finally begin to learn of Eldrich–what he has become and perhaps a small explanation as to why he is the way he is. he also–somehow–manges to become slightly more human. Not necessarily likable, but as we learn why he acts the way he does, we gain a sense of understanding, and why Walky has remained with him for so long.

I particularly enjoyed learning more about the secondary characters–Randall, Avril Kent, and others. I thought it interesting that Eldrich treated those with whom he dealt slightly differently. Not just the countess, but Kent and Randall. He still comes across as a cold heartless bastard, but there is an ever so slight difference in his reactions to different individuals.

In addition to concluding the adventure (and it the activities of Erasmus, Randall, and their group are definitely an adventure) we finally learn about the Stranger of Compton Heath, some of the past of Eldrich, and more about magic and why Eldrich and those who came before him believed that magic had to be erased from the world.

My biggest negative about this book is I absolutely hate the cover. As much as I love Sean Russell’s writing, I was reluctant to pick up this book, because the cover made it seems like a completely different kind of book. Mostly the hair of the woman (?) on the cover. She looks like she belongs in an 90s music video rather than a Victorian world.

If you have read Beneath the Vaulted Hills then you don’t need me to tell you that you’ll want to read The Compass of the Soul. Although there were some conclusions in the first book, much was left hanging and unexplained that is resolved in this book. Although I enjoyed both of these books, I can’t say they are my favorite Sean Russell books, and I would recommend that someone who has not read any of his books before read The Initiate Brother and Gatherer of Clouds first, and then Moontide and Magic Rise, to which this series is a prequel. But that may well just be my personal preference.
Rating: 8/10

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