The Purple Emperor

THE PURPLE EMPEROR. (Faerie Wars II.) Herbie Brennan. 2004/2005. Read by Gerard Doyle. 9 tapes. 12.25 hrs. Recorded Books. 1-4025-9529-8. $81.75. Vinyl; plot, reader notes. JS

In this sequel to Faerie Wars, Henry and Mr. Fogarty, the Gatekeeper, return to the land of Faerie to participate in the royal coronation. Pyrgus is reluctantly dealing with becoming the Purple Emperor after his father's death, but the evil Hairstreak has revived him to a zombie puppet-like existence, and stepbrother Comma is to become emperor instead. Much unusual magic surrounds events: Cyril, a symbiotic telepathic wyrm, is grossly inserted into Chalkhill so he will look like Lord Hairstreak. A gigantic battle at the end and some surprising events hold promise for another sequel.

Doyle, a fine narrator, has his work cut out for him in dealing with so many characters and converging and diverging plot threads. He ably deals with the voices and personas and does his best to help listeners keep track of what happened several chapters ago by good pacing and timing. Readers of the first book will enjoy this and fantasy enthusiasts may be able to jump right in. Mary Purucker, Beverly Hills PL, Beverly Hills, CA

COPYRIGHT 2005 Kliatt
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