Title:  Sagaman Kessler: The Old Oak Grows (Book 2)

Author: Maggie Kirton                

Genre: High Fantasy

 

Following Kessler’s rebirth on Dreki Isle into a shapeshifting dragon, he is recognized as the “Sagaman” and awaits the birth of his child “Drekas-Vynn” with bonded mate, Brynja.

As Sagaman, Kessler now carries the “Moonlight Vale” within him, a healing, peaceful force. He will require all of its enchanted powers if he is to defeat the powerful, vindictive Queen of the Fae…

Kirton’s second novel in the Sagaman series begins immediately after the first. Within the opening lines, Kirton effortlessly re-immerses the reader back into her wondrously imagined and richly detailed world of fantasy and mysticism.

She instantly gives Kessler several issues to contend with. Some of these are continuing themes that overlap or affect other, fresh emerging ones. However, Kessler’s purposeful tone and Kirton’s often short, straightforward sentences when unfolding sub-plots and motivations ensure that The Old Oak Grows never becomes overly complex.

Once again, Kirton’s writing has such compelling dark enchantment and poetic beauty. It manages to be both lush and austere, often feeling half-dreamed and hypnotic to read yet never losing underlying drive, focus, or momentum.

Although the majority of central characters continue, Kirton swiftly introduces new ones, all of whom are well-realized and useful, often connective additions, especially the “nameless Fae” and “Jakkur”, whose brief yet profound appearance echoes through the narrative.

The reader is still privy to Ilona’s guidance together with E’diot’s fierce loyalty and subtle comic energy. Even with these characters who exist in the spirit world, there is a definite sense of progression. However, it is with Kessler and Shai that the reader experiences the most evolution.

There is a weary wisdom to Kessler, self-recognition, and a growing confidence. He is measured, accepting, and not so quick to rage. Shai can be a little frustrating, especially in the first half, but it’s a convincing trajectory for a young man.

One of the most captivating new creations is “Sma’Logi”, a little, red flame containing the spirit of a bewitched beast whom Kessler frees from a crystal block. Kirton manages to imbue this tiny conflagration with so much personality that she seems to hover from the page.

As Brynja encounters severe difficulties with her pregnancy from internal and external influences, the action moves to Tanet Isle, or specifically, a colossal underground cavern carved from white granite.

Kirton surpasses the previous imaginative intricacy of her world-building with this huge subterranean realm. It’s an ambitious, utopian creation that is mirrored by the vividly inventive forest beneath Wyllow Isle that becomes home to the Vergrandi.

The Old Oak Grows is even more emotionally intense. Brynja’s birthing of Drekas-Vynn, in the chamber on Dreki Isle, is a powerful piece of writing that, although fantastical, is essentially a human story and, consequently, deeply moving.

Occasionally, it feels as if Kirton is designing her worlds as much for her pleasure as for the reader’s but her considered glossary helps dispel this whiff of exclusivity.  There is also a slight over-reliance as a catch-all on the concept of “ellipsim”, a rough approximation of fate.

All malignant creatures are back, especially the Reika spiders who are utilized with itchy malevolence. Although Kirton reassures with finely written and recognizable fantasy motifs, she makes bold, unusual plot decisions that might falter in a lesser writer’s hands but the sublime, esoteric quality of her work ensures this does not occur and, instead, heightens intrigue.

The Old Oak Grows is a spellbinding novel that expertly returns the reader to the gloriously mythical world of the Sagaman. Kirton has produced a mesmerizingly good second installment in a series that is an absolute treat for fans of the genre.

 

 

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