The story develops further in this book, and it is even more Edmund-centered, so the reader follows the events like thru the lens of Edmund's behaviour and feelings. The writing style is always nice and the pace more evenly-distributed than the first book.I enjoyed this much, and all the loose strings point to the third installment of the trilogy, leaning towards the grand finale. So, now out with the 3rd book, I want to read it!! ( )

The story develops further in this book, and it is even more Edmund-centered, so the reader follows the events like thru the lens of Edmund's behaviour and feelings. The writing style is always nice and the pace more evenly-distributed than the first book.I enjoyed this much, and all the loose strings point to the third installment of the trilogy, leaning towards the grand finale. So, now out with the 3rd book, I want to read it!! ( )

This is the second book in Robert Evert’s epic fantasy series, The Riddle in Stone and it pretty much picks up where the first book left off. Edmund, the middleaged stuttering hero, is on the run from the goblins with his pal from the pits, Pond and Becky, the rambunctious puppy. The Undead King is determined to recapture Edmund to retrieve the secret he holds, a secret which could spell the end for the entire human race. While trying to evade their pursuers, they encounter a troll and, almost by accident, they kill it. With the discovery of its treasure, they are able to afford a place to hide out for a bit and think.

But their period of rest is quickly interrupted. They learn that Noob, now married to Molly, has been telling tales about Edmund’s magical powers despite his past promise to keep the secret. This could put not only Edmund but his old village and his friends in danger. So, once again, they must set out on a new journey and hope they will be in time to stop the goblins from destroying everything and everyone Edmund loves.

I enjoyed this sequel but it doesn't have the same sense of adventure or danger as the first. Like many middle books in a series, it seems more like a set-up for the final chapter rather than a stand-alone. Much of the tale is taken up with Ed and Pond hiding from the goblins, making plans, and ruminating about possible outcomes to said plans. Not to say there wasn’t any action, just that periods of action seemed to be immediately followed by long periods of inaction. And, since it is a middle book, it should come as no surprise that it ends on a cliffhanger.

Fortunately, the likablility of the characters makes up for the lack of adventure. Edmund is as likable as ever and, if he still has his stutter and sense of self-doubt, he has grown a bit in terms of his confidence. Pond makes a pretty good sidekick, loyal to a fault and never willing to back down where Edmund’s wellbeing is concerned and Becky is a whole lot of fun. A new character, Fatty Moron, a gentle giant with a heart to match the size of his body was also a nice addition to the crew althoughI did think he deserved a name change.

Like the first book, Betrayal in the Highlands is reminiscent of the early days of modern fantasy with its ‘everyman’ hero and its emphasis on outsmarting the bad guys whenever possible rather than on violence for the sake of violence. If it isn’t as wild a ride as the first book, it is certainly a fun one and I am definitely looking forward to the next installment in the series. ( )