Book Review: Warhost of Vastmark by Janny Wurts (fantasy)
Author: Janny Wurts
Publication Date: August 1, 1995
Genres: Fantasy
Protagonist Gender: Male
With Song of the Mysteries, the final volume of Wars of Light and Shadow, due out this year, I’ve found myself drawn back to the series. I know I’m unlikely to catch up by May, but I’m enjoying my return to the world of Janny Wurts.
Warhost of Vastmark is the third book of the series and the last book of the second arc (the series is divided into arcs of 1, 2, 5, 2, and 1 book each), which means big things happen, both in terms of plot and character development. Without getting into spoilers, we’ve seen a core antagonistic relationship completely transformed and the curse-driven enmity between Lysaer and Arithon deepened further; a cunning (and bloody) plot to avoid further bloodshed; a truly catastrophic battle between opposing forces; and the resolution of an underlying magical plot line . . . along with the birth of another.
What amazes me about this saga is just how much drama, pathos, and empathy Wurts can draw from Lysaer and Arithon. In another saga, either or both would be heroes, champions of good, but the Mistwraith’s curse is as blurry as the lines between them. The more the story develops, the more we see how that curse affects those around them, with Lysaer definitely coming out on the losing side in this arc. You want to be frustrated with him, to lose patience and force him to see what he’s doing, but the curse leaves him blind to all but his hatred for his half-brother.
While the last book was a bit of a slower story without much action until the end, this volume picks up the pace, sees several conflicts come to a head, and explores both the catastrophic battle I mentioned above and the consequences of it. There are several pivotal moments in that battle, and at least one of them set my heart at ease.
Wars of Light and Shadow is not your typical epic fantasy. It’s something deeper, more thoughtful, and more layered than you can expect. The whole series is a literary work of art, and one that you find fresh appreciation for in each new chapter. I’ll be moving on to Fugitive Prince next, likely a vacation read for me in February, and keeping an eye on the finale’s release date.
Rating: 
