The Thirteenth Scroll by Rebecca Neason

The Thirteenth Scroll by Rebecca Neason
Warner Books - 2001
ISBN: 0446609536 - Paperback
Science Fiction/Fantasy

Reviewed by Sue Bartroff, Myshelf.com
Buy a Copy

Rebecca Neason has broken from the mold of writing Star Trek and Highlander novelizations with The Thirteenth Scroll. This is a story of a quest to prevent a great evil; and, as with most quests, the journey is conducted on both the physical and mental plains. It is a story of quiet heroism, sacrifice and abiding love.

Lysandra, a blind healer; sets out with her wolf companion to prevent a child from being put to death in a political war. Along the way she collects a priest with a secret and a mystical dweller from beneath the known world. Together they must outwit a trained and mounted group of soldiers led by a truly evil woman and the man she would see on the kingdom's throne.

It is the inner journey this small troop makes that wins the cause and it is the wonderful details of that journey that makes this fascinating reading. Healing herbs, the politics of organized religion, the scramble to be named High King, and the mystic world below are all given thoughtful and insightful explanation without detracting from the story itself.

While the quest is resolved, there is more to be told of Lysandra and her companions and I look forward to the continuation of this fantastic fable.