published 1997; trade paperback 1997, Bantam

Norse mythology, which has been the inspiration behind many great works of music and literature, is the backing force behind Attila's Treasure, a new historical fantasy by Stephan Grundy that is the sequel to his earlier work Rhinegold.

Hagan, whose parentage is uncertain but who is officially acknowledged as the younger son of the Burgundian king Gebica, is the ultimate cold fish: he is literally cold to the touch, physically incapable of smiling or laughing, always armed and on guard, and spends much of the time in a metaphysical half-world populated by ghosts and gods. Though Hagan could eventually become the shaman of his tribe, he is sent to Attila, the leader of the Huns, for training in the arts of war.

Attila's Treasure follows Hagan as he is made the foster-son of the unpredictable Attila, who is capable of turning on his allies in fits of anger and obliterating entire villages to keep the leaders of subjugated tribes in line. As Hagan grows in both physical and magical power, he walks a fine line between Attila's trust and paranoid suspicion.

A theme of the story is the conversion of the tribes of Europe to Christianity, and it's clear what side Grundy is on in this conflict. Still, one of the best features of Attila's Treasure is the friendship between Hagan and Waldhari, a young Frank who is a devout Christian. Under Attila's rule, warriors of different religions must show respect for each other's beliefs, and Hagan and Waldhari not only do this, but also go farther and swear blood brotherhood. When Waldhari ends up double-crossing Attila, it is Hagan who aids him, using his occult arts.

Attila's Treasure can stand alone as a story, but readers should tackle Rhinegold first to completely understand some of the references. Both are grand tales of friendship, betrayal, savagery, tenderness, and magic.

Review by Sara Lipowitz
Reviewed March 16, 1997

ISBN 0-553-37774-4

See other reviews of Attila's Treasure at Amazon.com