Fantasy Book Review: Second Sight reviewed by David Wagner

Over on My Little Corner of the World, David Wagner reveals that the Second Tale of the Lifesong made quite an impact on him. While not professing to be an expert reviewer, he is frank in his analysis and he has a talent for considerate, informative writing.

"If reading The Riddler's Gift is comparable to enjoying an amazing, detailed work of art in an art gallery somewhere, then reading Second Sight would be the equivalent of stepping outside the art gallery and enjoying/contemplating the stars.

Second Sight works on many levels. It has a fascinating cast of characters, both major and minor. It has interesting, varied environments. It has plenty of action and suspense, with near-perfect pacing. But to me, most importantly, it dealt with huge issues, both temporal and eternal, mortal and divine, in a way that not only didn't distract from the story-telling, but greatly enhanced it."

Off-handed criticism is easy to inflict; genuine praise is much harder, because you have to identify specific qualities from your memory of a long journey, and explain the reasons for the highs without giving away the story. There David has perhaps strayed a bit beyond the [SPOILER ALERT] It's a detailed analysis with some revelations about characters that you might prefer to discover for yourself, so if you haven't yet read Second Sight yet, come back to David's review later.

If there's one thing that's consistent with reviews of my fantasy books, it's variety. Every reader who has ever commented on the Lifesong has their own unique reaction, things they love and hate, details they hold onto and things that pass them by. I don't think it's possible to write a perfect book, loved by all, but I'm glad to have brought something to life that strikes a chord with like-minded souls.