Emerald Cavern, The by Mitchell Graham

I picked this book up thinking that it was a stand-alone. It is so well written that I didn't even know it wasn't until the last page told me. Fantastic storytelling and an incredible imagination. Not cliche like most series are becoming. I've picked up the Fifth Ring and can't wait for The Ancient Legacy to come out.

I read The Fifth Ring last year and loved it, so I've been anxiously waiting for The Emerald Cavern to appear.

This is a very solid follow-up, enjoyable, humorous, and packed with adventure. Mathew, Lara, and Collin are older and their views more worldly in this installment, but that is only to be expected. Graham clearly explores their characters in greater depth as he does Sennian society (quite different from the more idylic Elgarians). We also see a lot more of Gawl and Teanna d'Elso who are turning out to be fun characters.

Graham is just and amazing story-teller. Is this the greatest book I've ever read? No, but it gets my top rating as a damn fine one. Each time you put it down you'll find yourself coming back to it to see what's going to happen next.

This is a worthy second book in Graham's trilogy. I continue to be impressed by the professionalism of Graham's writing and his overall style. He is one very talented author.

THE EMERALD CAVERN picks up almost where THE FIFTH RING left off. Mathew Lewin has come to Sennia, following Father Thomas's plan to obtain amnesty for him as a result of the murder of Berke Ramsey. This tool place in book one. Unfortunately, things start to go awry for the young hero soon after he arrives. Not only do two stone statues come to life and try to kill him, two priests in the nearby Abbey of Barcora are murdered under bizzare circumstances. Suspicion falls on Mathew and he takes it on himself to solve the mystery.

Teanna d'Elso, mentioned briefly in THE FIFTH RING is back again as are all the major character in the first book.

There is a lot to like here. Not only are the characters older they're more developed and a great deal of fun. Graham still writes the best action sequences of any fantasy writer I've ever come across and the touches of humor he interjects make the story all the more enjoyable.

There are certainly a number of questions left unanswered which will make waiting for the third book in this series all the more difficult. The bottom line is if you enjoy fantasy this would be a hard one to pass up.

Definitely a keeper. Top recommendation.