Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Book Reviews
Book Review: Host
By Sandy Amazeen
Nov 20, 2007, 2:12 GMT

Neomage Thorn St. Croix faces her stiffest challenge ever in the third installment of this imaginative post apocalyptic series where good and evil are potent forces faced on a daily basis. The lynx, Thorn’s personal talisman warns her of danger just before the appearance of Cheran Jones, an arrogant cowardly metal mage sent by the New Orleans Enclave, supposedly to instruct her in the finer points of diplomacy. The formerly unlicensed stone mage is finally gaining acceptance by the majority of Mineral City residents, the last thing Thorn needs is a self-important mage alienating the orthodox factions that have sought her death since discovering her “gifts”. Fortunately, there is little time left for such considerations as the succubus queen continues to wage war on Mineral City, sealing it off from outside assistance in a bid for enough death to liberate the Dragon, a creature of darkness that seeks to enter the material plane. The meaning of Thorn’s family prophecy eventually becomes clear as she is reunited with her missing twin, Rose in a massive showdown that pits Seraphs, mages and townspeople against the Darkness that exacts a terrible price.

Magic combines with Seraph hierarchy and the Earth Invasion Heretics who claim there is a conspiracy hiding the real intentions and origins of the Seraphs and Demons who now control much of humanities activities. Thorn’s character continues to grow as she comes to accept and use her increasingly powerful gifts. Her relationships to stepdaughter Ciana, EIH member Eli, Audric her bodyguard and the Seraphs add depth while providing plenty of fodder for future installments to this engaging, fresh series.