Green Stone of Healing is a fast-moving, complex fantasy series that follows four generations of strong women and the mysterious green stone that binds them to their people and culture as well as to each other. The second book in the series -- Fallout -- examines the consequences of the actions of the central figure (Helen Andros -- an opinionated, tough-minded physician who wears a mysterious green stone) and the complex familial and interpersonal dynamics her breaking with tradition bring upon all within her orbit. A very human heroine, Helen is trapped by forces from within as well as without. Again, her temper and her fierce stubbornness against conformity bring her challenges she is not certain she is up to facing; but within herself, she discovers great depths of compassion, wisdom and perseverance that stand her in good stead. Highly inventive and wonderfully organized, this is a new book that will surely sweep you away.
The Green Stone itself possesses mystical properties of healing and protection; it is an energy-healing crystal used to mend everything from broken bones and broken hearts, and to shield against missiles or render them undetectable. Although Helen is the guardian of the stone, she is also emotionally wounded and vulnerable, an illegitimate orphan in Azgard, a lost civilization sharply divided by race and rank.
As in the first book, as Helen becomes more deeply snared in other people's webs of fear, deceit and power-grabbing, she again becomes the focus of negative --and unwanted -- attention from the priests, rulers and military officers of her society. The Green Stone of Healing is destined to change her entire society, not just Helen, yet our curiosity as readers just draws us deeper and deeper into the mystery surrounding the stone, without quelling our desires to know. To enjoy this book, you really must start with the first book -- The Vision: Green Stone of Healing Book One -- (and keep it handy as a reference); it is not meant to be read out-of-sequence. My biggest problem with this second book is how long I must now wait for Number Three, and some of the answers to the mysteries within!
If you were enamoured of The Vision, you will find this second book just as gripping a "page-turner," and the characters even more deeply and convincingly drawn. Mysterious twists and turns make for absorbing reading.
In this "episode," the Exalted Lord, whom Helen rescues from a drug-induced stupor, orders Helen to be bound in marriage to Helen's half-breed second cousin. The union is a purely political move designed to bolster Helen's standing. Helen secretly loves her former commanding officer, now her bodyguard; and she and her new husband share yet another secret.
Do make use of the glossary at the back of the book, as there is an extensive cast of characters that run the gamut from well-meaning, conflicted heroes like Lord James and Lord Matthew and ruthless, cruel and corrupt villains like Prince Enoch. And, of course, you can keep straight the relationship between Helen and each of these players, as well. ~ Anne Garber, evalu8.org
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2008
