Heir of Sea and Fire is the second book in the Riddle Master Trilogy by Patricia A. McKillip and continues the story started in the first book. It opens almost a year after the end of the previous book but focuses on Raederle, the young woman who was to be betrothed to Morgon, and her reaction to Morgon’s disappearance. Upon receiving word that the land-rule of Hed has passed to Eliard, Morgon’s brother, she decides that she wants to know exactly what actually happened to Morgon when he visited the High One upon Erlenstar mountain. Eventually acquiring traveling companions in the form of Lyra, land-heir of Herun, and Tristan, Morgon’s sister, they acquire a ship and work on traveling to the mountain themselves. On the way though Raederle is forced to confront her family’s past as she discovers some potentially unsettling things about her family but also her own abilities that are tangentially related to that past. In the process, she also works on discovering what might have happened between Morgon and the High One and why.
This was an intriguing continuation of the series because it continues the story of Morgon but not in the way you would expect. It does continue the storyline of Morgon as the star bearer and trying to discover what that means for the land as a whole but it also shifts focus slightly and does not have that as its main focus. The story instead focuses more closely on Raederle and her family and abilities and how that relates to what is going on with Morgon as the star bearer. In doing so it adds some interesting layers to the story. We learn quite a bit more about the land and the different nations present in terms of their history but also somewhat about their culture, specifically Anuin or the three portions which is Raederle’s homeland. I find the added depth and development fascinating. The directions the continued plot takes are rather different as well as it was not necessarily what you would expect with the way the previous story ended. It does continue the conflict of trying to decipher what it means to be the star bearer, something which is still not really answered just yet, but the other conflicts are altered slightly with new dimensions being added to them. I found it enthralling to read and am eager to continue the story with the final book in the trilogy. The best part about this book though is the insight into a new character with the introduction of Raederle. She was drastically different from Morgon in many ways but in others still remarkably similar. Her development took a different route from his but it was still incredible to watch it develop. One of the only things I didn’t really like about the book was the pacing for this one. There were times where I felt like events were moving fast or maybe just the narration of some parts was a little on the short side. I would have liked to have spent a little bit more time on some things but that may also just be me. The story was still really good but I would have liked to explore some things more. Either way it was a good book and I am happy to give it four out of five stars.
This is a good example of a fantasy novel and one that I would definitely recommend to readers who prefer that genre. It has good world-building and an intriguing use of magic so if you like those elements in literature you should really consider this one. The book is a continuation of a series though and the story is heavily reliant upon you understanding the events of the previous book, The Riddle-Master of Hed, so you really should read it first. It is primarily aimed at adult readers but there is nothing present in it that should constitute major problems for readers in the teen or young adult age ranges if they wish to try it out. I would have no problems recommending it to that age range. Hope you are willing to consider trying it and if you do feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.