Introduction
This year saw the much anticipated release of Kristen Britain's fourth Green Rider book Blackveil. Due to the long period between which Britain's books are published, fans of the series were surely delighted when they could finally get their hands on the next instalment.
In the last book The High King's Tomb, published in 2008, things left off on quite the cliff-hanger. First of all we saw the new villain of the series, Grandmother, and her Second Empire followers enter Blackveil forest, a place of dark magic and terrifying monsters. We also saw Captain Mapstone thwart the love between King Zachary and Karigan by ensuring they did not get any time alone to confess how they felt for one another. By the end of the book Karigan was continuing her service as a Green Rider and Zachary was still set to wed Lady Estora. Furthermore, there was the intriguing story of Lord Amberhill, who by chance had become rich beyond his dreams after acquiring pirate treasure. All of this meant Blackveil would continue with many interesting story lines centering around the life of Karigan G'ladheon.
Blackveil in Summary
In this instalment readers see Karigan presented with a whole new mission, to enter Blackveil forest with a party of six Eletians and six Sacoridians to see what has become of the once thriving land of Argenthyne. Upon discovering she has been picked for the mission Karigan resigns herself to yet another journey that could end on her own grisly death. But she is brave, and accepts the task she has been set.
However not all is as it seems, and Captain Mapstone has ulterior motives for choosing Karigan to go to Blackveil, that being to keep her away from the King who has seemed to become ever more entranced by the green rider. Zachary fights against Laren's decision, but in the end he cannot prevent Karigan from being involved in the expedition.
Other parts of the book show the experiences of Grandmother and her people as they search the grey and wet forest for what are referred to as the Sleepers. We also see Lord Amberhill prepare for a sea voyage, as the ruby ring he wears seems to compel him to go to sea. After Karigan leaves Sacor City for Blackveil an attempt is made on the life of the King, and he must fight for survival after being wounded with a poisoned arrow.
In this book Alton D'Yer's problems in trying to repair the breach in the D'Yer Wall continue, and he finds an unlikely romance with the minstrel Estral, Karigan's best friend from her school days at Selium. But Estral is not only a love interest for Alton, her music also helps to mend the wall as she figures out the notes to the piece of music in Silverwood's book.
Blackveil in Review
This book in Britain's series certainly displays yet again what a great writer she is, and she writes just as well if not better with each new novel published. She can go from describing the inner turmoil and emotional trials her characters are experiencing, to creating an epic picture of landscape and scenery that can be either beautiful or thoroughly horrific.
However, despite the fact that Britain has yet again produced a highly entertaining read, one of the main problems with this book was a certain level of inconsistency with her story lines. Lord Amberhill's sea voyage while interesting seems completely separate from the main thread of the story and doesn't seem to contribute anything to the book as a whole. Britain completely drops his story in the second part of the novel, and we are only shown where he has ended up in a chapter at the very end.
It is also questionable whether or not she should have included the story line of Estora and Zachary's deathbed wedding, and the subsequent consummation of that marriage while Zachary remains in an unconscious state. The reason I point this out is because Britain seemed to be building Estora up as somewhat of a villan, which is all fair and well, but then Estora is completely redeemed of any guilt in what took place when the King finally wakes up from his coma.
All in all, this is a very well written and entertaining follow up to Britain's last Green Rider book. For those who want to read more about Karigan and her adventures this lengthy instalment will not disappoint. However, be warned that Blackveil, like its predecessor, also ends with many story lines unsolved and many more questions arising as to the future of Karigan and the fantasy world she inhabits.
Britain, Kristain. Blackveil. Gollancz, 2011.
Lorraine McInerney - Lorraine McInerney is currently working as a freelance writer and editor. She studied Arts for four years and has a BA in English and ...
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