The Language of Power, Rosemary Kirstein

[warriorofworry]

This is a difficult book to review because I'm certain it's part of a series, and I haven't read the other books. Not that the author doesn't attempt to gloss it with memories, etc., but I had the distinct feeling that there was more a reader could know about the characters and their relationships than was explained here. 

Even worse, now I'm worried that I'm spoiled for the first (?) books. 

Those concerns aside, there was still much about this series that I liked. In a post-tech world, wizards control the magic, not always to the good of others. 

Rowan is a Steerswoman, and all must answer her questions, as she must answer those posed to her. She is also a type of heroine of which I am quite fond, not a sweet ingenue, but a woman who has lived fully and brings her wisdom and history to the game.

On a quest to investigate a wizard to whom she has ties, she is joined by her friend Bel, a woman from a people who are being slaughtered by the powers wielded by one, evil wizard. Her former mentee, a young man who was apprenticed to a wizard himself, shows up as well, on the run from his master and on a mission of his own.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It has strong feminist underpinnings, engaging characters, and a plot that probably makes more sense if one knows the backstory.

It also avoids the "royalty" cliche: these characters are working class people.  Rowan has a higher status, but it's due to education, not any benefit of her birth.

I will look for, and read, Ms. Kirstein's other books. (Not to mention I reserve the right to edit this review when I've read the other volume(s) in this series.) 3½ stars.