World Without End

World Without End (1994) Sean Russell

Reading “The River Into Darkness” series made me want to read another series written by Sean Russell, so I picked up the “”Moontide and Magic Rise” series, for which “The River Into Darkness” is the prequel. I was surprised to discover that I found this series much easier to follow after having just read its prequel. That isn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy this series when I read it before, only that the events of “The River Into Darkness” helped make the events in this book more clear.

Tristam Flattery, a young naturalist, is the nephew and heir of Erasmus Flattery. Many believed that Erasmus had magical powers, and as the heir to Erasmus, many believe that Tristam himself may have magical powers, and that rumor has often set Tristam apart from others, although his cousin Jamis has been his lifelong friend and ally.

Tristam is called to the capital, to the King’s arboretum, by the King’s Man, to attempt to solve the botanical mystery of a plant that is supposed to support the health and long life of the king–a king who has lived for more than a century. This seemingly small task will lead Tristam on a voyage around the world.

This story has a variety of elements: Patrick O’Brien’s “Master and Commander” series comes first to mind. Tristam himself reminds me a bit–as I believe he is supposed to–of Charles Darwin, especially with the long sea voyage and the botany and empiricism.

Although Tristam is one of the main characters, there are a variety of other characters who played a major role, starting with Jamis, but including Averil Kent, Alissa Sommers, and the Duchess of Morland. I particularly liked Avriel Kent’s character. He is by his own estimation an old man, and he has no powers other than his ability as a painter, and his intellect and curiosity. He suffers from the limitations brought about by his age, however, his lack of physical prowess does not keep him from involvement in the political intrigue. I found this very refreshing.

As with his other books, World Without End tells and long and winding story. Tristam travels the world and meets many strange people. As with Sean Russells other stories, this is not a quick read, and to be honest I found parts of it somewhat confusing the first time I read the book. However, a slower second reading, combined with a greater understanding from the prequel, made things much more clear this time, and even more enjoyable.

Do not pick up this series if you are looking for a light read to take up a couple hours. Even I took some time to read these books. However, I found my patience greatly rewarded with interesting characters and a fascinating story.
Rating: 8/10

• Browse the archives:
  
• Sea Without a Shore » »
• « « Compass of the Soul