Arwyn’s quest continues.
General Information
Title: Sojourn Vol. 2: The Dragon’s Tale
Author: Ron Marz
Illustrator: Greg Land
Original Publication Date: 2002
ISBN: 1-931484-34-1
Cover Price: $15.95 US
Buy from: Amazon.com
or Amazon.ca
Premise
Arwyn’s quest continues, as she searches for the five
fragments needed
to destroy Mordath. This time, she needs to take a
fragment from a
dragon’s horde.
High Point
The handling of the dragon. My only serious complaints
about the
first volume were the lack of originality, and the use of the
dog;
both are improved this time around.
Low Point
The interview with Ron Marz in the back of the trade has
spoilers for
later volumes, and they come up with no warning. Be
aware of this
when you buy your copy. (Notice I didn’t say “if you buy
your copy.”)
The Scores
The originality is improved this time around.
There are
still stock moments, but they’ve added new twists. I give it
4 out of
6.
The artwork still looks great, although the
material in issue
12 doesn’t always look as great as the rest of the series. It
still
deserves a 5 out of 6, though.
The story is shaping up, with some
development of multiple
plot threads, and a little more complexity than the last time.
I give
it 5 out of 6.
The characterization of Mordath, Arwyn,
Gareth, and Neven is
impressive. The cast is gaining depth along with the
plotlines.
Mordath in particular is being developed, and we’re starting
to see
more of his minions. I give it 5 out of 6.
The emotional response wasn’t as potent as
that of the first
volume, but I think that’s mainly due to higher expectations.
I
didn’t know what to expect when I read the first volume, but
this
time, I knew I was in for some impressive epic fantasy, with
some
laughs along the way. I wasn’t disappointed. I give it 5 out
of 6.
The flow is smooth through most of the
volume. The time
shifting in chapter 11 ends somewhat abruptly, but it’s
otherwise
sound. I give it 4 out of 6.
Overall, it’s still a solid, high quality fantasy
series
that’s starting to really set itself apart. I give it 5 out of 6.
In total, Sojourn Vol. 2: The Dragon’s Tale
receives 33 out
of 42.
*one* eensy thing is bugging me.
Arwyn: LOTR (okay, so it’s “arwen”, shoot me.)
Gareth: Wheel of Time
I know it’s picky – but for some reason these two names just throw me off – and Mordath sounds pretty “stock” for an evil sorceror too…