Set in the United States twelve years after A Meeting at Corvallis, pockets of civilization continue to struggle with life after the Change rendered most technology inoperable. From the pumps pushing tap water through pipes to sophisticated electronics, a mysterious force rendered them all useless and plunged humanity into a modern dark age where military and religious groups vie for power. Driven by a strange dreamvoice, Ingolf Vogeler has ridden across the continent to Oregon’s Willamette Valley where he meets members of Clan Mackenzie. He brings news and learns what is meant by Sword of the Lady when the Mackenzie High Priestess reveals it to be her son Rudi. The vicious attack from a team of trained assassins puts everyone on the alert as other forces begin plotting for control and alliances with The Prophet, leader of the zealot Church Universal and Triumphant. Accompanied by seven friends, Rudi Mackenzie sets off on a quest to the east coast in search of answers and runs afoul of The Prophet and his followers.
Political and religious idealism become the focus of this unusual take on the apocalypse as Celtic clan systems and paramilitary groups attempt to forge a new world order. Plenty of fights with some fancy swordplay keep the action lively while vastly different religious ideologies provide convincing opposition. There are a number of unanswered questions revolving around the events that took place on Nantucket, events that may be responsible for the Change which are not fully addressed in this installment of the series. The conclusion is left open to interpretation as the fate of Rudi’s party along with his own remain in doubt leaving readers wondering how long they’ll have to wait for the next installment.
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