The Road of Silk: A Fantasy Novel [Hardcover]

When I first started reading The Road of Silk by Barbara Dyson-Williams and Matt Afsahi published by Synergy Books (ISBN: 0-9747644-6-9), I was surprised at the brilliant imagery it painted for me. First, writing a book is difficult enough, but having to weave two authors ideas together is more difficult. However, The Road of Silk does indeed pull through, although not on the level of other double-authored books such as Eddings and Weis/Hickman, I can't wait to read the next book.

Road of Silk is set in a world where magic is almost unknown, the teachings have long since been nearly forgotten, the teachers disappeared, and with them, the true believers. The belief was simple, if a person lived their life well, then they would go to an alternate plane of existence, where everything is created by those with good and pure souls. Through the middle of this land ran the road of silk. This land existed outside of normal time and space, but could, through true belief, intersect this world. But those with evil in their hearts, greed or egotism could not use this path. It was only for those who are pure of heart, and those who believe. It has been a long time since these beliefs were held common, believers are rare. Evil reigns in the country of Dragonval, where dragons darken the skies, and corrupted desires fuel political wrangling. However, the prophesy says that there will be the One, who can create or destroy the road of silk.

Queen Yasemin of Gwendomere chooses to ally herself by marriage to King Amir of Dragonval, to save her country. A lone ruler, her parents both dead, she chooses to marry an unknown man to save her country from invasion by the fierce and feared soldiers of Dragonval. Her nurse and dear companion, Nitae, shows her the book Yasemin's mother secured secretly for her daughters future use. On her journey, again and again she goes through trials and must choose good or evil, and the outcome of those decisions affect so much more than herself.

Through magical means, conjured dangers and well-placed magicians, Yasemin is shipwrecked with a slave and the leader of the Dragonval army. It is a frightening time, when she is able to learn some of the ideas set down in strange language, mostly unreadable, in her mother's book. Eventually, she meets the holy people on the Holy Mountain of Sorania and learns much more. When she makes it to Dragonval at last, attempts on her life continue to occur. Kidnapped, she is taken to see her grandfather, the evil Serpeta that lives deep in the bowels of the earth below the castle. He yearns to rule the country again, and through giving himself to the evil one, he has great power. But there is always a price for such power. He is hideous, but his master has said he will rule again if he can sacrifice Yasemin in ritual. Preparation begins as a rescue mission is carried out by the Demolisherian, Goliagoth, on the order of King Amir.

King Amir's first wife, Medusimia, is not so happy to have her husband take another wife and plots against Yasemin and Amir with Vulmire, the evil behind Serpata. Although she doesn't realize it yet, she has made a choice that will change history.

*** The plot has concepts that will appeal to both men and women. Intense fight scenes, battle planning, political maneuvering, magic-use and sensually lush intimate scenes all make for a book that anyone could truly enjoy. Unexpected and imaginative plot twists, vivid eastern imagery and creative use of magic throughout the story pulled me further into the plot. By the end of the book I was begging there was a second for me to read. While the metaphors are sometimes difficult to imagine, the creative and imaginative plot pulls you in. You identify and feel for the characters, picking the side you want to win. Eastern culture is delicately woven into the plot, making for a truly exotic feeling novel. Mark your calendars for December 2005, as I give this book three stars out of a possible five. ***

Reviewed by Danelle A. Callahan.

This fantasy story is about Queen Yasamin of Gwendomere, who agrees to marry King Amir of Dragonval in order to save her kingdom. She is to become Second Wife to Amir, because Medusimia, Queen and First Wife, has yet to produce an heir. Medusimia is irate at this "competition," so she conspires with Vulmire, a man-beast who lives in a deep cave, to make sure that Yasamin has an "accident."

A freak storm sinks the three-ship convoy taking Yasamin to Dragonval, killing everyone except her, Arash, a prince from another kingdom, and Goliagoth, the head of the military escort from Dragonval. After several weeks without rescue (the sailing route was known, so they shouldn't have been that hard to find), the three start walking. During a battle with skeleton warriors, Yasamin meets Mosesra, a man who totally changes her outlook on life. He tells her that a major battle between good and evil is coming, and she is the focus. Many demons are waiting for her in Dragonval, so she needs to watch her back at all times.

She makes it to the castle, and marries Amir. Medusimia is able to convince Amir that she was unfaithful, many times, with Arash and Goliagoth, and Yasamin is thrown in prison. Amir may be King of Dragonval, but he is not the person in charge. Many years earlier, Serpata, who is Yasamin's grandfather, made a deal with the devil for power. Now, he is kept in chains in a darkened dungeon cell, but Serpata still has plenty of power. The three escape the castle, but Yasamin goes back, in an attempt to turn Amir away from the "dark side."

This one is very good. It has more of an Eastern than European feel, the characters are well done, and the authors have left room for a sequel. This is well worth the reader's time.

› Go to Amazon U.S. to see both reviews  4.0 out of 5 stars