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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
SATISFYING FINALE TO A QUALITY TRILOGY, 27 May 2004
I have to confess, I approached reading this book with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. Anticipation, because I enjoyed its predecessor The Iron Chain so much and was impatient to know what the author had in mind for the characters next, and
trepidation... because I enjoyed The Iron Chain so much and did not want this final volume to disappoint. I need not have worried. One thing that has impressed me through-out this trilogy is the quality of the writing. It starts off at a high enough level in Wanderers and Islanders, which remarkably was the author’s first novel, finds new strength and confidence in The Iron Chain, with a narrative that flows smooth as silk, and steps up a further gear in The Seagull Drovers, particularly in the second half, as the author gathers all the interwoven threads of plot and character together and pulls them toward the grand finale. The framework of the story is built around three central characters - former royal wizard Leonardo Pegasus: intent on carrying out his charge of tracking down the imps that are causing havoc in the signal network, Rusty Brown: still coming to terms with the events that led to his wife deserting him and struggling to raise a willful daughter, and Ash: the daughter in question, learning about life, love, the Land and her place within it. Around them great events are occurring; King Matthew has vanished in a quiet, bloodless coup, disorder rules the City and disharmony the Land. Even the seagulls have deserted the coast and flown inshore. Indeed, it is said that only when the seagulls return to the sea will the land be healed. Familiar characters drift in and out the narrative, each playing their part as the story develops and attention begins to focus on the Islands, where you feel the final act will inevitably occur. Leonardo starts to make progress in his hunt through the network for the mysterious sprite Lee, with music proving the key, there is plot to free the King and Ash is in love... Mr. Cockayne builds the pace and tension expertly, until they hit a crescendo that provides a fully satisfying conclusion to this excellent trilogy. I only hope that The Legends of the Land goes on to gain the recognition it so richly deserves as a true classic of modern fantasy. Well done Steve Cockayne!
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