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published 1995; paperback 1995, DAW
Ring of Lightning is the opening book in the Dance of the Rings trilogy, which introduces a standard medieval-type fantasy world with a small twist. Power in this world is generated in an unusual way and controlled by an unusual family, the Rhomandis.
The Rhomandi family is dysfunctional in the extreme. Members communicate mostly by yelling at, mocking, threatening, or hitting each other. Deymorin, the oldest, is charismatic and friendly but also short-tempered and irresponsible. Mikhyel, the middle brother, makes up for Deymorin's shortcomings by being overly responsible, dour, and cold. Fair-haired Nikaenor, the youngest, has been coddled all his life by his older brothers and as a result is unworldly and self-centered.
The only representative of the older Rhomandi generation, Anheliaa, is the brothers' aunt and Ringmaster of Rhomatum Tower. As Ringmaster, Anheliaa is in charge of supplying power to the city of Rhomatum and outlying areas by mentally controlling the Rings, which generate an electricity-like energy using a substance called leythium.
A long life spent manipulating the Rings and Rhomatum's leadership (through brother Mikhyel, who sits on the Council) has made Anheliaa believe that she is entitled to absolute command. Her arcane communion with the Rings has made her capable of just about anything, from reading the future to controlling her enemies' thoughts and feelings. When Deymorin refuses to submit to Anheliaa's plan for breeding a new Rhomandi Ringmaster to take her place after she's dead, she casts him away using the power of the Rings and schemes to get what she wants through Nikaenor and Mikhyel, whom she considers more pliable.
The portrayal of the relationships among Deymorin, Mikhyel, and Nikaenor is the most interesting part of Ring of Lightning. A subplot dealing with a sentient leythium creature and her human pupil doesn't add much to the story except confusion and unfortunately provides a deus ex machina ending to a climatic scene. Another potentially interesting subplot about a new invention that could replace Ringpower is never fully resolved.
One thing I did like about this story was its attempt to introduce the political realities of Rhomatum. Most fantasies (especially ones in medieval settings) deal with economics and politics on a very basic level, if at all. Though Ring of Lightning has its moments, however, it ultimately works better as a bit of character-driven fluff than as an epic.
Review by Sara Lipowitz
Reviewed July 2, 1997
ISBN 0-88677-653-8
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