Back Cover:
In a volcanic cavern a great, awakening beast vexes to life all that is violent and base in the enchanted land of Corona. No creature dwelling there will remain unscathed. Incited by this newly awakened evil, goblins ravage the settlements of the frontier, abetted by fearsome giants. In tiny Dundalis, their swift merciless attack leaves behind two shattered orphans. Stripped of all they hold dear--including each other--Pony and her lifelong friend, the youth Elbryan, face an uphill battle for survival. Scarcely more than children, they teeter unaware between despair and destiny.

Meanwhile, on a far-off island, a shower of multicolored gemstones has fallen onto the black sand shores. When harvested by the monks whose order guards secrets of magic, these stones will contain incredible powers, carrying in them the key to all that is good in the world...and all that is evil.

Pray that they don't fall into the wrong, clawed hands.

List of Characters:
Elbryan Wyndon - elf-taught ranger; main protagonist.

Jilesponie "Pony" Ault - other main protagonist, lover of Elbryan, stranded when monsters came and destroyed her and Elbryan's town.

Avelyn Desbris - new monk who excels in gemstone magic; flees with gemstones when he realizes the corruption of the church; 3rd main protagonist.

Belli'mar Juraviel - elf-friend of Elbryan.

Tuntun - elf-friend of Elbryan; sacrifices herself.

Quintall - powerful monk; once comrade of Avelyn, now his assassin.

Betesbulzibar - the demon dactyl; main antagonist.

Bradwarden - solitary centaur on the continent; friend and close ally of Pony and Elbryan.

Favorite Character:
Definitely Avelyn because he excelled in the monk training, frightening the elders of the Church, and held onto his virtues when that church murdered innocent people to protect a church secret. Then he flees and becomes a fat, jovial friar and adds definitely needed comic relief.

Least Favorite Character:
Hmm....Tuntun the elf. She's obnoxious, arrogant (but then again, all the elves are), and a just plain Ashkta. She's mean to Elbryan throughout the entire book, and though she sacrifices herself at the end in the demon dactyl's volcano, I still didn't feel very sad. (though Salvatore did a heck of a job trying)

Favorite Quote:
"Ho, ho, what!" -- Avelyn, everytime something is even remotely or morbidly funny.

Favorite Part of the Book:
Definitely the journey made by the monks to Pimaninicuit. Very emotional and enlightening.

Comments:
The new magic concept of gemstones is very original and intriguing. Characters are very believable, though Elbryan is somewhat of a typical male hero. The ending is somewhat predictable, though the death toll surprised me. I felt somewhat misty-eyed at Bradwarden's untimely end. (Sorry about the plot spoil; at least I didn't tell you how. *grin*) Shows well the tragedy of war and dissention in the church. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

ISBN: 0345391497
Edition: Hardcover