Sheryl Steines – Wizard War

By: Sharon Kurack

After reading Books One (The Day of First Sun) and Two (The Black Market), Wizard War, the highly anticipated third installment of author Sheryl Steines’s “Wizard Hall Chronicles” has arrived. Ever since my review of The Black Market, I eagerly awaited the next volume and was not disappointed. Steines is an amazing author, weaving a tapestry of words that form worlds which engage and envelop the reader. Although this this installment could be read as a standalone story, I will review it as both a standalone and a third part.

To be very honest, the author has a knack for giving the audience a recap on what they may or may not have missed since the time of the characters’ previous misadventures. Like the first two installments of the “Wizard Hall Chronicles,” the newest adventure Wizard War continues with the theme of how two different worlds (Magical and Nonmagical) that are blended together exist and affect all living beings. However, as its own story, Wizard War expands this theme to include how sometimes the negative traits of human nature (greed, seduction and temptation) can cross into the super nature without discrimination.

Main protagonist Annie Pearce has a niche for finding trouble, as she has shown us in the past. Wizard War is set not long (about six months) after the resolution and aftermath of The Black Market, where the actual effects of the (spoiler alert) collapse of the Wizard Black Market are still unknown. We begin with a Prologue chapter to set up the recap of The Day of First Sun with a paranoid Cyril Stonewall, former high-ranking official of the Wizard Council turned antagonist, dragging a not-quite-dead-yet body to the gravesite of Princess Amelie of Amborix. We last heard of her in The Black Market when Annie was sent a newspaper clipping of the presumed dead princess, very much “alive.” Reading on through the Prologue we find that Amelie, though technically not alive, is a new vampire (who promptly begins a string of murders). In a world where Nonmagicals can’t know Magicals exist for fear of chaos and panic, this is extremely bad.

A great mystery always starts with a variety of path-seeking questions and Wizard War is no exception. Who turned Princess Amelie into a vampire and why is she emerging now? How was the vampire bite missed by Annie who thoroughly examined the body in The Day of First Sun? Who sent the newspaper clipping to Annie and what do they have to gain by doing so? Once again, Steines lays out the path to a most complex and entertaining maze of motive, money and mind-boggling details.

While the first two books in the series had a murder as the center of the chain of events, Wizard War strays as multiple murders occur at the hands of a vampire no one knew existed. However, the vampire murders are more of a red-herring to the bigger picture of corruption and power and how the various Wizard Halls have the potential to be corrupted by the very power they wield. While the twist of Vampire Amelie is revealed early on, there are far more delicious twists and turns that not only shock the readers, but downright has them saying aloud, “Did I just read what I think I just read?” Because of this, Wizard War is a quick-paced read that is full of suspense at every page turn. While the truth of Princess Amelie is the catalyst for the book, there are a few other important side plots that are all woven and connected beautifully, leaving the reader in awe of how intricate and well thought-out this series is. Without too many spoilers, I can safely say that some things are resolved, but not before many more new questions appear. There is no clear-cut resolution until it stares you blatantly in the eyes in word form, and yet, even then I found myself still wondering if one character was part of the conspiracy over another.

As for the point of view, the book takes on the third-person omniscient, which brings us into the minds of each major player we encounter. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, which can be confusing at times but perhaps that is also a device to keep the audience constantly thinking. Thoughts, feelings and reactions are given from the major players, allowing us to have more of an insight as well as emotional detail of what occurs. Similar to the prior books, we are treated to the inside thoughts of Annie’s mind. A prime example would be every time after finding out Amelie’s vampiric status, we watch as Annie constantly questions herself as a Wizard Guard despite knowing in her gut and being told she was thorough. We watch the self-doubt chip away at Annie’s hard resolve, yet never completely dismantle her. Third person point of view allows the reader to think about events from multiple angles.

One of the many aspects of Steines’ writing is the imagery given through descriptive detail. Descriptions are meant to not only tell us the story, but also show us using only the power of words. Many stories about vampires contain similar elements from the mythology and legends; Steines takes it a step further, having other characters explain reasonings behind specific vampire behaviors (i.e., all vampires having a “revenge kill” or how a vampire can turn human again right before the final death). These small yet insightful details are part of what sets this series from most in the genre. Another example would be how the author uses emotional imagery in Annie’s head during the memory modification spells to show and project the feeling of unease on the audience.

Although Cham has a less significant appearance this time around, the relationship between him and Annie continues to warm my heart. They still have one of the most tender, loving, supportive and healthy relationships I have seen. While extremely concerned for her health and well-being, Cham does not fight Annie when she decides to investigate the story’s catalyst but supports her as best as he can. In the same respect, when Cham is promoted, Annie does not feel threatened; she celebrates with him. They are a wonderful example of a relationship where both parties maintain their individuality and not lose themselves. Like healthy relationships, Cham and Annie support one another and make the other a better person.

Following with the layered story theme, Wizard War unearths a few rhetorical questions. At one point, we learn that a Wizard Hall has the ability to modify its wizards’ memories and eventually uses this ability. Annie also uses this spell twice in the book. Despite this being for the “greater good,” she immediately regrets it. Should any organization have that kind of power over the other? How could one check and balance that? Such thoughts are extremely relevant with the power struggles that occur daily. Does such power corrupt absolutely?

Another blaring question that perhaps connects with all three books is: what about Annie’s father and the big mystery behind his death? At the beginning of Wizard War when we first reconnect with Annie, she continues to research her father’s last case. Despite being on the instruction to rest, Annie eventually finds the missing Fourth File of her father’s case on the Fraternitatem. Although her initial quest for answers is interrupted by the newspaper clipping of Amelie, Wizard War comes full circle with the story having Annie pick up where she left off with the file. (Seriously, does she even know how to rest?) Without spoiling the ending, let’s just say that Annie uncovers quite a bit of hidden information that leaves the audience’s jaw on the floor and Annie in tears. This is also the cliffhanger with which Steines leaves us. Perhaps this is a teaser-promise of more books to come? This “Pearce-ling” certainly hopes so!

My previous review of The Black Market spoke of (raved about) the strong female main protagonist, Annie Pearce. Where thankfully there are many strong female characters in the literary world now and more emerging in this genre, Annie Pearce stands out. Indeed, she is very strong willed, clever and capable and also very flawed. We see and experiences Annie’s thought process from The Day of First Sun to now and while she doubts herself, she also becomes strong enough to be confident in her craft as well as own up and accept her mistakes. It’s what continues to keep the reader drawn to her.

If you haven’t begun the journey with “The Wizard Hall Chronicles” series, I would highly suggest it. Whether you are jumping in for the first time or are a veteran in the series, Wizard War is for you. With how the author presents her story, this book makes an easy transition to book one, The Day of First Sun, should you wish to work backwards as book one might give more detail or even make you think about the series as a whole thus far. Wizard War once again does an amazing job mixing reality with fantasy, giving you a twisting, turning ride of a story shrouded in mystery with a strong female character.