Wysard
 Carolyn Kephart
 (Reviewer - Colleen Helme)
 1999 Sterling House Publisher
 ISBN: 1563151448

Ryel Mirai, The Lord of Markul, embarks on a mystical journey. Filled with danger & witchcraft he battles on to free his kinsman's spirit from the terrifying abyss known as The Void.

To free Edris, Ryel must somehow reverse the powerful curse cast by the malignant Dagar. Ryel soon realizes that he must not only wage war against this formidable foe for Edris' soul, he must also prevent the wicked sorcerer from ruling Markul.

Associate Reviewer Colleen Helme writes:

In Wysard, we are introduced to a new fantasy world with many layers of intrigue. Ryel is a powerful wysard with a deep sorrow for the loss of Edris, his mentor, & a determination to find the key that will free Edris from The Void.

Ryel's journey is leaden with discovered truths, as well as perilous betrayal. He travels between the worlds of the lowlander, the hierarchy of kings & rulers, & the intricacies of religion. In all of these places, his arch nemesis, Dagar, seeks to thwart his plans & claim him for himself.

Ryel must uncover the key to the curse of Dagar, & undo the evil Dagar has inflicted on those Ryel loves. It is a constant battle of good & evil, with Dagar always one step ahead. Through it all, Ryel never gives in, & as he follows the quest to its end, he grows in wisdom & strength.

In Wysard, Carolyn Kephart has created a fantasy world of intrigue & turmoil. The story is fast-paced & interesting, with a strong character in Ryel who is continually learning & changing, but whose core values stay the same, even under trying times.

A great read with characters you truly care about.
(10/12/03)

Colleen
2003©Colleen Helme
A RebeccasReads.Com Associate Reviewer

Reviewer's Bio:
I have been an avid reader “forever” & live in the Rocky Mountains with my husband & four children. In my spare time (when I'm not reading!) I do watercolor paintings, make music, & WRITE! My first fantasy novel, Child of the Flame, is being published this year by American Book Publishing.