Le serpent mage (original 1991; édition 1993)

This is the fourth book in the Death Gate Cycle, set on Chelestra, Realm of Sea, the last of the four worlds created by the Sartan during the Sundering of the Old World in their battle against the Patryns.

The narrative is interwoven with the personal diary of Grundle (who is just awesome!), daughter and heir to the leaders of Chelestra's Dwarven population. Grundle tells us her account of how the Human, Dwarven and Elven inhabitants of Chelestra are in danger of freezing as their seasun moves away from the seamoon on which they live. How the Dwarves were commissioned to build vessels to migrate to another seamoon which were destroyed and how Grundle and her friends encounter Haplo on their adventures.

Meanwhile, Alfred, the last remaining Sartan, also ends up on Chelestra and is reunited with others of his kind, including Samah, who initiated the Sundering and has been in suspended animation since.

With this book, the characters of Haplo and Alfred become more complex. Dog also makes a reappearance and we learn more about Xar. This book is entertaining, action packed and gut-wrenching with original world building and nuanced secondary characters. ( )

Haplo without his dog (his Lord Xar was not impressed with his conduct in the last book) travels the last of the Sundered worlds - Water. This is perhaps the most inventive of the four, and introduces the true antagonists, neither Patryn or Sartan, but Fizban's (fortunately not present) nemesis true evil in the hearts of all intelligent beings. Driven by Fear and hence it's associated emotions of hatred, chaos etc. the beings are invidious and seek to corrupt all counsels and guidance of the wise.

Haplo also discovers the remainder of the true Sartan. They are very different from Alfred who is also present. And a prime candidate for the snakes to fan the flame sof fear between the races. The Mensch have up until now being living in peace and harmony together. As the travelling sun in the center of the world moves on the Mensch need to migrate to the Sartan's landmass. Haplo no longer seeks discord at every turn, having met the snakes he's much more concerned with thwarting them than his Lord's wishes. And Alfred has his dog! Alfred has his own problems quickly falling foul of the Sartan leader's fear of Patryn.

Haplo's more divided conscience is more interesting than in previous novels, and Alfred's part will also be of note. I'm always less convinced by manifestations of pure evil, but the snakes are at least clever about it, wishing to survive on fear rather than just slaughter. It's not clear why the seawater has anti-magic properties, nor why the Sartan were so surprised by this.

A fair continuation of the series. ( )

here, the series picks back up again. the first half is a little slow, but as more and more about the universe and the sartan are revealed throughout the book, i was carried to the end with ease. ( )

the fourth world. Alfred finds the remnants of his people, Haplo finds the Sartan responsible for the Sundering and both find that they are indeed not the highest powers. More dualism, but you really only see the side of evil. Depressing to see the downside and not the upside. Made me thankful I know there is One All Powerful God, not 2 coequal opposing forces duking it out. ( )

Out of fear, enemies are born.

Haplo returns full of doubts, and confesses all to his lord, who purifies Haplo through pain. Cold once more, Haplo is sent on to Chelestra, the last world; where he finds a vast ocean, where “sea moons” float in bubbles of air.

The story quickly switches to the mensch (dwarves, elves, and humans), who have managed to form a lasting peace. They are about to migrate to a new sea moon, until a new enemy appears, demanding a sacrifice to stay their hand.

The story continues the transition that began in Fire Sea, humanizing Haplo through a series of quick subplots as he struggles to reconcile who he is with who he thinks he should be. This brings the characters much closer, but also serves as a stalling tactic, postponing the main conflict until other plots have a chance to catch up. The story manages to create some touching moments, but ultimately proves anti-climactic, leaving characters and audiences waiting for the next installment.

+Strong Characters
+Strong Setting
*Weak main plot, strong subplots
*Some interesting ideas
-Anticlimactic Ending

3/5 ( )