I feel that re-reading this book, now older, has granted me better appreciation for it. Though Shadow will always remain my favourite book of the series. ( )

I keep re-reading this series, and every time am reminded why Duane is one of my favorite authors. Well executed characters, system of magic, and most important of all: A strong feeling of connection to every aspect of the tale. ( )

Sequel to: The door into fire -- The door into shadowGiven to RES ( )

Much more "traditional" fantasy than Duane's other books. This is the third in the "Door Into" series, but the local libraries (wonderful as they are) didn't have the first two. Only the third. Because that makes sense... Anyway, my point is, there was a lot I didn't understand because I haven't read the first two books. ( )

In The Door into Sunset, our leading characters go through many evolutions and “power ups” as their efforts to depose Cillmod come to a head. This book focuses mainly on Freelorn as he tries to find a way to become a true Initiate in the royal magics that protects the country from the Shadow, (and which also ensure that the land doesn’t turn back into wasteland like most of the continent seems to be). We also watch Hasai and Segnbora become Very Important Persons among the Dragons, and Herewiss learn to cope with being the First Man in Centuries with the Blue Flame.

The book opens with Eftgan, the Queen of Darthen getting ready to do her annual crown-forging ceremony. This tradition had been put in place so that ordinary people who had a grievance with the king or queen could confront (or even attack them) directly. Segnbora has a premonition that something might occur, and warns Herewiss and Freelorn about it. They are able to stop the assassins from killing Freelorn or Eftgan, and discover that someone on Cillmod’s side is able to use major sorcery without suffering from a backlash. After Eftgan finishes making her crown, (she is not a jeweler and therefore her crown ends up tilting at a rakish angle) she announces she will be going to war with Cillmod to put Freelorn on the throne, which is greeted with approval by the crowd.

Read the rest of this review at A Wicked Convergence of Circumstances. ( )