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In this third book in the author’s series, Richard and his mate, the fox creature Amber, are awaiting the birth of their cubs along with their adopted son, Andreas. “Andreas came from a water world with two forms of humanoid life. One lived in the ocean, while the other lived on the planet’s only land mass. He was a hybrid of both species, and neither wanted him.” Richard is preparing to become king of the Milky Way as his forefathers had done after sealing the dragons in another dimension. “A long time ago, Askook, the golden emperor, had ruled the Milky Way with an iron-clawed fist. But then he and his kind had been banished to a blighted world in the cursed dimension.” However, the young Richard must first travel to seal the world of dragons and prevent them from escaping, an occurrence that happens every thousand years.
It isn’t only the dragons which are a threat. Humans are plotting against the sixteen-year-old king and his family because they see the offspring of the human Richard and his fox mate as abominations. There are plots afoot to destroy him. His family’s long-time enemy, Spartacus, wants to take over his kingdom and do away with Richard and his family. But Richard has Henry, the king’s identical brother, who was created from Richard’s DNA. Henry is charged with taking Richard’s place when he is absent to protect the king’s interest and trade places with him when Richard is in danger. As the dragon’s escape nears, one important question must be answered: Will Richard be able to seal the dragons for another thousand years and secure his kingdom?
In this fascinating, adventurous novel, characters and worlds come alive for the reader. Hickman deftly creates planets of dragons, animals, humans, and every variety of creature imaginable. Hickman also weaves in plenty of suspenseful moments in the story. For instance, as Richard awaits the opening of the barrier and his subsequent quest to seal the dragons’ escape route for another thousand years, the tension in the writing is palpable. “It was nearly time. The barrier between the dimensions was thinning. Within a few weeks, perhaps a month, it would open, and they would once again have a chance to rule the Milky Way." Descriptions of Richard’s attempt to save the Milky Way from these fierce dragons are well-written within the gripping narrative. The characters, as well as the realms they inhabit, are unique in this intriguing novel. An example of this is Hickman’s detailed portrayal of Fern. “Fern, a centaur, and the head of the palace, had dark eyes with streaks of gold, black hair that hung down past her shoulders, and brown skin. … Her horse half was pure white, contrasting with her dark hoofs.”
The novel takes readers on a journey of danger through strange and mystifying worlds. With its twists and turns, the plot holds the reader’s attention throughout. It is truly a pot-boiler that will keep readers turning pages until deep into the night. This book also makes readers want to read the first two books of the series after discovering Hickman's masterful writing. This is a work that brings together humans and animals in surprising and fanciful ways. Those searching for a good fantasy read will find more than enough to entertain them in this series.