Rifkind's Challenge (Tom Doherty Associates Books) [Hardcover]

We've known and heard of fantasy author Lynn Abbey for quite some time, but had never read any of her books for some reason.

And even though Rifkind's Challenge seems like a continuation, it is still a stand alone novel unto itself. Not only did the beautiful cover design and cover art by one of the best fantasy artists working today, Julie Bell, captured our eye, but the back cover story sounded intriguing, too.

And what we found was a worthy, well-rounded, strong character driven fantasy novel full of magic, adventure, action, and interesting and believable characters that had us turning pages until the wee hours of the morning. Rifkind is a challenging figure of a woman, a healer with magical powers, but also a deadly swordswoman when needs arise.

And they arise aplenty!

The huge rift between Rifkind and her estranged son, Cho, is written beautifully, creating a dynamic in which the reader is driven to turn the next page, wondering if and when or how these two will ever see eye-to-eye on anything, and if they will ever become mother and son again.

And mixed in with the drama is world-building writing at it's finest, chock full of nomads and and raiders, dangerous magical creatures and beings that will surely keep fantasy enthusiasts at the edge of their seat. Lynn Abbey proves here that she is comfortable in her fantasy realm, creating memorable characters and not one-dimensional hero's that are easily forgotten.

There is no challenge in reading this one. Just a challenge to see whether you can put it down or not.

Rifkind's Challenge (2006) is a sequel to Daughter of the Bright Moon. In the previous novel, Rifkind joined a rebellion against the Emperor. She defeated the Emperor's sorcerer. Then she became a ger-cat and stalked the Emperor.

Then Rifkind returned to the desert wastes of Asheera. She became the Healer of Hamarach's clan and started training other Healers. She trained so many Healers and introduced them to the Bright Moon that she was called the Mistress of Healers.

In this novel, twenty years have passed. Rifkind is still the best Healer among the clans, but her students are very proficient. Her special patient -- Tyrokon -- has agreed that further healing will not help him. And Rifkind is having dreams of the Wet-landers that she has known.

Hamarach is the chief of the clan in which Rifkind lives. He is also Rifkind's lover. Hamarach a very wise man and knows how much status the clan receives from Rifkind's talents.

Domhnall is Rifkind's son. He was named for his father, but he denies that Donhnall was his father. In fact, he tends to deny anything she says and insists on going by the name of Cho.

Tyrokon is Hamarach's eldest son. He was born with a wasted leg and Rifkind has gradually healed it as far as she can. But he still limps and generally loses to Cho in practice fights.

Vendle is a caravan leader from Epigos in the Wet-lands. He seems to know his business.

In this story, Rifkind is on her way to Hamarach's tent when she sees Cho and Tyrokon practicing together. Cho is winning by working against Tyrokon's weak leg. When Tyrokon finds himself unable to continue, Rifkind takes up the practice blade and challenges Cho. She defeats him in every time.

After Rifkind departs, Cho is angry with his mother for not teaching him her techniques. Cho is usually angry with Rifkind. In fact, she cannot do anything that doesn't offend him.

As Rifkind passes through the tents, an upset mother intercepts her and claims that her child is dying. Amra -- Hamarach's daughter -- has said nothing to her, so the mother is convinced that the worst has happened. Rifkind goes to check the seven year old child.

Amra is present when they arrive. Rifkind says that the child probaly was bitten by a snake or stung by an insect. The mother insists that such could not be the case since she had held the child throughout the night to protect her.

Rifkind then asks Amra where the bite is located and Amra replies that it is at her ankle. Rifkind asks her why she didn't show the mother the bite. Amra says that she doesn't like to argue and was hoping that the mother would stay away until after she had treated the child. Rifkind then scolds Amra for avoiding such conflicts and reminds Amra that she is the Healer for Hamarach's clan.

Then Rifkind leaves the Healer to her work and continues her way to the tent of Hamarach. There she explains her reasons for leaving. He realises the path of her thinking and agrees with her departure. But he would like her to escort Tyrokon to the north with Vendle's caravan.

Since Tyrokon will not be able to hold his own against challengers, he must leave the clan. Otherwise, he is will be challenged until he falls. His departure will ensure a quiet transition of power to his brother Izakon.

So Rifkind agrees to go with Tyrokon. The boys have been listening to this conversation and Cho decides to go also. Rifkind meets Vendle that evening at the meal and discusses pertinent issues. He is amazed at her knowledge of the Wet-lands.

This tale takes Rifkind and the boys to Epigos. They get in trouble there and have to flee without most of their supplies. Rifkind then tries to get the boys to return to the clan, but Cho disagrees. After Cho asks whether she can prevent them following her, she gives in and starts teaching the boys about the strange Wet-lands.

The prequel to this novel was copywrited in 1979, so its sequel is somewhat overdue. But better late than never.

Like this novel, Rifkind returns to the Wet-lands rather late. She finds many changes, mostly for the worse. But some friends are still around.

Highly recommended for Abbey fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of personal magic, political intrigue, and women warriors.

-Arthur W. Jordin

I rented this book from the library not reading the previous books. Even though I didn't read the previous books it didn't effect my ability to read the story. In my opinion this book was just okay. It wasn't a page turner, but not bad nonetheless.