Corsair

FROM THE PUBLISHER

For years, the Linyati slavers have raided the coasts of Saros with impunity. But now swashbuckling captain Gareth Radnor has taken command of the carrack Steadfast...and of Destiny itself. For the exiled young sailor seeks vengeance against the slavers who murdered his family. A man of fearless daring, Gareth is joined by a motley crew—clever Knoll N'b'ry, strongman Thom Tehidy, the giant sorcerer Labala, and the beautiful, rebellious Lady Cosyra. Together, they become pirates against evil, seawolves attacking the Linyati, even defying their own King's truce.

Then Gareth makes a discovery that turns his crusade into a cause more important than glory, wealth, or retribution: The Linyati aren't human...

FROM THE CRITICS

VOYA

Murder, mayhem, and magic all combine in this rousing tale of pirates and strange beings that view humans as commodities. Gareth Radnor is only a boy when Linyati slavers attack his village, killing or capturing everyone there. Gareth and two friends are fishing during the rampage and return to find their parents dead and the village destroyed. Gareth goes to live with his uncle, a prosperous merchant in the distant capital. As he grows, he vows vengeance on the marauding Linyati. Purser of a ship, Gareth finally gets his chance when the captain and mates of the ship die, and he takes over as captain. He gathers a force of mercenaries, sailors, magicians, and even his girlfriend, a noblewoman who stows aboard for the adventure, and they go against the Linyati. Along the way, they discover that the slavers are not human. They are mindless puppets controlled by lizardlike creatures bent on taking over the world. Things do not go always as planned, but eventually, Gareth wins the day. Two full cities of Linyati are destroyed, and the troops return home as heroes. Although not as broad in scope, if patrons enjoy David Eddings's Belgariad books, they should enjoy this one. Judging by the possibilities left open, there probably will be more to follow. This one deserves a spot on the fantasy shelf. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P J S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2001, Warner, 406p, $6.99 pb. Ages 14 to Adult. Reviewer: Vicky Burkholder SOURCE: VOYA, August 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 3)

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