The Equen Queen is the second book in the highly successful series Quentaris: Quest of the Lost City and is the sequel to The Spell of Undoing by Paul Collins.
While moored to a new world, Quentaris is approached by another sky-city. The sky-traders on board seem friendly and generous, offering the Quentarans food and gems, but are in fact setting a trap for Quentaris. What are the equens and can they really heal the sick?
Despite losing her special powers, Tab Vidler must find some answers fast, before all is lost.
Jenny Mournfield
In book 1, The Spell of Undoing, readers met Tab Vidler, a mind-melding orphan who discovered the perpetrator of a misguided spell that uprooted the city of Quentaris, sending it hurtling through a vortex.
Now safe from its enemy and tethered to a new world, Quentaris is approached by another sky-city. The Quentarans don't have the resources for another fight so soon after fending off Tolrush, so are relieved to discover the occupants of this city want nothing more than to trade. The Quentarans are given two Equens, horse-like animals that can apparently heal the sick, and showered with pretty gems in exchange for games to keep the sky-traders occupied on their never-ending journey. Tab soon learns, however, that not only are the sky-traders lying about the Equens, but the gems aren't theirs to give. The gems' true owners are coming, and they want their stones back.
The insectile horde that descends on Quentaris is like nothing they've ever encountered before. Effortlessly, the creatures paralyse the city and set about retrieving their property. Quentaris' fate appears to be sealed, until Tab has an idea that just might save them all.
Like its predecessor, this book is visually appealing. The text is easy to read and broken up by many detailed line drawings.
Having written a number of books for young people several of which have attracted awards Brugman handles her first foray into fantasy with style and aplomb. The plot is well-structured and engages the reader from the first sentence. Although not of her own creation, the characters are all Brugman's as she leads readers at a cracking pace from one crisis to another.
Fans of fantasy and adventure are sure to love this series.
Guest, 14/05/2010
