Title: Sagaman Kessler: Those Left Standing (Book Three)

Author: Maggie Kirton

Genre: High Fantasy

 

In book three of Kirton’s High Fantasy Sagaman series, it’s time for Kessler and his allies to end the “two hundred summers” war in Leri by taking down the Usurper King, Lathorio.

Meanwhile, Kessler’s daughter, Samynja, awaits the birth of her triplets on Dreki Isle, watching events from afar. Can Kessler finally bring peace to This Side of Eternity and, in doing so, himself? Or will the Black Fire within him cause even more chaos?

This third outing in Kirton’s highly accomplished Sagaman series differs slightly in tone. She wisely provides some pivotal changes in direction to ensure the series remains bright and, although her prose is as cerebrally elegant as before, the narrative has a higher emotional intensity and a darker drive.

She pulls the reader deeper into the Sagaman’s psyche, disclosing further layers of angst and a level of resigned acceptance as destiny draws near. Kessler’s voice, always rich and authoritative, is even more self-aware and lingers long in the reader’s mind.

This is a character-driven series, but Those Left Standing is propelled by the effects of several key affiliations, politically, platonically, and romantically. Kessler’s strong companionship with King Vinur becomes fundamental not to mention Kessler’s tortured relationship with himself.

All the alliances made have conspiracy and consequences. The boy-king Keisari’s treatment of those around him, especially his mother, Queen Joywind, chills with malevolence and foreboding. Joywind is an arresting addition to the series, quick-witted, ruthless yet full of compassionate sensibility.

There are numerous fresh characters and, occasionally, their abundance becomes a little overwhelming. Reference to Kirton’s excellent glossary helps allay any confusion and there are some fascinating new personalities.

The small blue dragon, Fellagi, is captivating, and with the discovery of Fae brothers, Tarryk and Kamari, in a Leri prison camp, Kirton has expanded the Sagaman narrative into the next generation, complemented by the arrival of Samynja’s triplets, one of whom carries black fire.

In many respects, Those Left Standing is a novel full of beginnings and endings precipitated by fate and friendships. Nonetheless, how to take down the Usurper-King preoccupies Kessler for the first half, and the connections he forges in order to do so, are intriguing.

Sma’Logi’s army is a simple but genius invention and is so vividly portrayed that the reader finds themselves cheering with glee as they swiftly dispose of the Usurper’s beasts.

Notwithstanding, with the harrowing Leri prison camps, Kirton has brought the full force of darkness to bear on Those Left Standing. It’s nasty, visceral stuff that is as appalling to read as compelling, and it somehow seems inflected with contemporary anxieties which lends it a horrid immediacy.

Kessler’s involvement in liberating the camps is a direct result of a bombshell twist for a main protagonist. Although unexpected, Kirton has carefully thought through this brave authorial move. Once the initial surprise wears off, the impact of Kirton’s shock move gives credible purpose and repercussions to large areas of the plot.

By way of contrast, Kirton opens up another area of her realm, gifting the reader the sublime, beguiling beauty of Joywind’s enchanted forest. It’s another wondrous Elysium vision that provides respite amid the swirling turmoil.

At times, Kirton loses herself in the abstruse and, momentarily, the reader, although, overall, Those Left Standing proves difficult to put down. It’s faster-paced than before, and Kirton isn’t afraid to move events along by several years to suit her narrative.

Those Left Standing is another triumph in the first-rate Sagaman series from the master crafter of high fantasy. Shrewdly plotted, soulful, and spellbinding, Kirton effortlessly returns the reader to the enchanted, esoteric world of the Sagaman.

 

 

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