Keeper of the City

Guardians of the Three #2

by Peter Morwood, Peter Morwood

Under the careful guidance of the catlike mrem, the city of Niau has grown into a prosperous trading center. It lies, however, far to the east--on the very edge of the kingdom of Ar--ever vulnerable to invasion by the mrem's legendary enemies, the Eastern Lords.

Ordered to guard Niau from an attack that may never come, the mercenary Reswen--a veteran of the great battle at Cragsclaw--accepts his king's will. Working undercover, he rises to become chief of the secret police, aware of all the city's intrigues. When a group of mysterious merchants arrives bearing gifts and hoping to strike a trade agreement, Reswen has his suspicions. Before it's too late, he must discover the truth behind the visitors' smiles, and allies himself with a beautiful courtesan-spy and a wayward wizard...whose rusty spells may be Niau's only defense against the sinister sorcery of the all-powerful Eastern Lords.

Genres: Fantasy

309 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 1989

About the author

Peter Morwood was an Irish novelist and screenwriter. He is best known for his Horse Lords and Tales of Old Russia series. He lived in Ireland with his wife, writer Diane Duane, with whom he co-authored several works.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a bit slow to build. I thought to myself, "Hey why are we reading about this guy Reswen that was just a minor character in the first novel." But I was sooo very pleasantly surprised. All the intrigue, and network of spies in the workings among the Secret Police and the nobles and dignitaries was so very juicy and fun.

[H.L. Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series and read every single book. It was the most unique series I touched when I was a girl. Still have all four books and enjoy them thoroughly.