Time of Trial: the laws of magic Vol 4

Michael Pryor (author)

Random House, Australia: 2009; 427pp

ISBN: 9781741663082

Genres: adventure, fantasy, series

Issues: values, friendship, corruption

Aubrey Fitzwilliam, talented but impulsive son of the British PM, lives in a world where Science and Magic are equal in their value and importance to the welfare of society in general and his nation's security in particular. The world is on the verge of war. Surrounding nations vibrate with political tension and it seems that only one tiny spark is needed to trigger a conflict that will devastate millions.

Behind the scenes lurks the sinister, powerful figure of Dr Tremaine - coldly calculating, manipulating people like pieces on a gameboard. Can Aubrey and his young friends discover Dr Tremaine's plans before the world is engulfed in conflict? Has Aubrey become a sufficiently skilled magician to unravel the subtle, complicated spells Tremaine uses to wreak havoc? Forced into unexpected alliances and unpredictable situations, Aubrey finds himself stretched to his magical and personal limits.

While jumping into a series ‘midstream' so to speak can be confusing and it's clear that some relationship nuances would be better understood if the reader was familiar with the earlier books, Time of Trial: the Laws of Magic can stand alone. Aubrey, George and Caroline are fully realised characters whose existence and narrative importance is completely understandable without additional backstory. Pryor is a skilled and experienced writer who grasps the value of mystery and suggestion in provoking and maintaining reader interest. The characters are realistically imperfect, very human in their strengths and weaknesses, making it easier for readers to relate to them and therefore care about their experiences.

Set in a Victorian-esque era, Aubrey's world has older values - loyalty, national pride, honour and chivalry. Despite this, Pryor has created several notable female characters that challenge the stereotypes and restrictions of not only their own culture but also the traditions of fantasy. Strong characters, a lively narrative peppered with ghosts, golems, bandits, spies and an evil genius, Time of Trial and the rest of the series should appeal to a wide readership. The formal, eloquent language and advanced vocabulary is particularly stimulating.