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In this fantasy of rulers, tyrants, strong women, helpful men, and, ultimately, a search for resolutions to the problems, Zurkia is a land of mystery and dysfunction. Princess Raja is forced from her castle to escape a man whom she distrusts. She is later told by a frightened woman that peasants have been abducted. Ignoring threats and attempting to calm frightened helpmates, the princess, her friend Pavel, and cousin Hannah, embark on a quest to find out the truth about the multiple disappearances. A former slave named Antom has some key resources that the protagonists need to fight the tyrants. He directs the group to the enemy's castle via maps from a trunk that belonged to his father. Individually, the members of the group were in peril from the antagonists. But now that they have become a united force, the group is in constant danger.
Broc's story contains the elements of a good mystery. In addition to its witty dialogue, there are mistaken identities, questions of loyalties and other aspects of ambivalence, and reversals. First one person or group is temporarily safe or triumphant, then their antagonists are. In keeping with modern sensibilities and trends in literature, strong female characters are often in charge as commanders and warriors and are experts at defending themselves and others when threatened. The dialogue and narration are crisp, informative, and a pleasure to read. There is a strong sense of equality among the "good guys and women." The antagonists seek to wield power to dominate the land and its population. The protagonists seek freedom for those imprisoned or disenfranchised and want to discover truth, restore justice, and find an accurate link to Raja's identity.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review