Books Like...
Three thousand years before, the monstrous Dark had sprung from loathsome underground lairs to destroy most of humanity. Now they were again ravening and ruining in their blood hunger. Only a few thousand people had managed to find refuge in the ancient fortress Keep of Renweth. There, even the magic of the wizard Ingold Inglorion could offer them little hope against the Dark. To defeat the savage horror, they must gain help from the Hidden City of Quo, to which all other wizards had been summoned. But Ingold could not pierce the walls of illusion that separated Quo from the world. With his student, Rudy Solis, the old wizard set out to cross two thousand miles of dangerous desert to the City of Wizards. What he might find there he could not know and dared not guess. Many middle books of trilogies feel a bit weaker. We've met most of the main characters, and the author doesn't really resolve the storyline. Still somehow, there needs to be enough story to keep our interest. This book does that. This fantasy follows the pattern of Tolkien's The Two Towers and splits up the characters. Rudy and Ingold head off to the wizards' city while Gil and Minalde stay behind in the Keep. Through Rudy's eyes, we learn more about the nature and perils of magic. Gil is a historian and intent on finding out more about the physical infrastructure of the Keep while trying to dodge most of the political and social infighting. I found both alternating stories interesting in their own way. Unifying them both is the threat of the Dark and how people deal with adversity and tragedy. I enjoyed the story and, while I noticed it was the middle book, I also thought it had enough going on that it wasn't significantly weaker than the first book. Highly recommended for fans of The Time of the Dark.
If you liked The Walls of Air, here are the top 3 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Darwath)
- #1
Save:Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern by Anne McCaffrey is a book set in the Pern Universe, where the protagonist, Moreta, takes to the skies on her dragon to help ferry medicine to combat a devastating plague that is threatening the planet of Pern. The book delves into themes of sacrifice, leadership, and the race against time to save the planet from impending doom. The writing style of Anne McCaffrey brings to life the fantastical world of Pern and its dragon riders, making the reader feel deeply connected to the characters and their struggles.
“His Weyr business should be accompanying you to Ruatha Gather.” Nesso’s voice had a whining note to it in the best of her humors. Now the Fort Weyr Headwoman was filled with aggrieved indignation at ... - #2
Save:'Magic's Pawn' by Mercedes Lackey is the first book in 'The Last Herald-Mage' trilogy and follows the story of Vanyel Ashkevron, a young man who is misunderstood by his family and seeks solace in music. Sent to live with his Herald Mage aunt, Vanyel discovers his magical powers and falls in love with one of her students, Tylendel, leading to a tragic love story. The book explores themes of self-discovery, love, and the struggle to control newfound powers in a fantasy world filled with rich emotional depth.
The writing style of 'Magic's Pawn' is described as catching and interesting, with a plot that captivates readers with its emotional richness and bittersweet storytelling. The protagonist, Vanyel, is portrayed as a complex character who undergoes significant growth and development throughout the book, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and emotional narratives.
Radevel’s remark had probably been prompted by this very back staircase, one that started at one end of the third-floor servants’ hall and emerged at the rear of a linen closet on the ground floor. Th... - #3
Save:'Dragonflight' by Anne McCaffrey is the first book in the 'Dragonriders of Pern' series, introducing readers to the world of Pern where telepathic dragons bond with their riders to protect the planet from a deadly alien threat known as Threads. The story follows characters like Lessa and F'lar as they navigate through political intrigue, time travel, and the responsibilities of being dragonriders, all set against a backdrop of a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements. McCaffrey's writing style is described as easy to read, with a focus on world-building and character development, creating a captivating and original narrative that has stood the test of time.
LESSA WOKE, COLD. Cold with more than the chill of the everlastingly clammy stone walls. Cold with the prescience of a danger stronger than the one ten full Turns ago that had then sent her, whimperin...
