Glenraven

By Marion Zimmer Bradley
and Holly Lisle
Baen, $23

ISBN 0671877380

Review by Larry Woods

Sophie Cortiss's young daughter, Karen, fell from her horse and died, and now Sophie's friend Jayjay Pennington ("I knew you before you had front teeth") has taken on the task of Sophie's emotional support. Simultaneously, Jayjay is experiencing deep doubt about her relationship with her friend Steven. While pondering these events, Jayjay does what all great people do: she went to a bookstore. There she perused the Fodor's travel guides and picked up the Fodor's Glenraven.

Never having heard of this country, Jayjay convinces Sophie to accompany her. She should have known something was strange when the visa papers came through in the amazingly short time of two weeks.

Actually, all this is manipulation by Glenraven and they did not snare the two travelers they wanted, but Jayjay perseveres until they reach the small village of Inzo where first the soft, pale, beautiful lights come out and "after them came the pain." These semi-medieval European adventures of Jayjay and Sophie, aided by Matthiall who is obviously in love with Jayjay, among the Watchmistresses and Watchmasters of Glenraven, are gracious and understated, although reminiscent of a Hieronymous Bosch painting.

Author Bradley wrote her own interpretation of the Arthurian legend, The Mists of Avalon, and is best known for her Darkover novels. Author Lisle has also collaborated with Mercedes Lackey and won the Compton Crook Award.

Larry D. Woods, an attorney, is an avid collector of science fiction.

©1996, ProMotion, inc.

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