The suspense of Medalon [BKL My 15 04], book one of the Hythrun Chronicles, continues in this spirited sequel. Treachery and political intrigue are rampant, and all-out war looms as the High Prince of Karien prepares to invade Medalon under the direction of the god Xaphista. R'shiel, the demon child created by the gods to slay Xaphista, was fatally wounded in Medalon; healed by Cheltaran, the god of healing, R'shiel is now recovering under the ministrations of the Harshini, a people legendary for magic. Medalon's only chance for thwarting the invaders lies in allying with the Hythruns and their storied warlord. Meanwhile, the gods are still blithely interfering in human affairs. Emerging from the Harshini sanctuary, R'shiel finds herself at the center of events, even though she is still learning her powers. Fallon maintains her carefully crafted world and her multifaceted characterizations in a quite complex story that, leavened by romance and some comic relief, flows smoothly. All of its threads fall into place, making this a sequel sure to please fans. Sally Estes