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The Dog of the North
by Tim Stretton

Release Date: 4th Jul 2008
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 978 0 2307 0801 3
RRP: £14.99

Average Customer Rating: 
(0.0 based on 0 ratings)

Good, but not great fantasy drama...

Against the backdrop of a different world and time, we are brought straight into the narrative as three children set about pilfering objects from the local market in Croad. Among them is Arren, son of Lord Thaume's captain and Eilla, daughter of the city's master mason and controversial follower of The Wheel. The simplicity of childhood games abruptly ends when Lord Thaume decides to take on Arren as companion for his own son, Oricien and Arren finds himself thrust into a world of lesson, swordplay, social elitism, religious unrest and political manoeuvrings.

At a point in the future, the Dog in the North (Beauceron) makes a planned attack on a stout-coach believing it to contain Lady Siedra, daughter of the late Lord Thaume and sister to Oricien. On discovering he has inadvertently gained proprietorship of a Lady Isola and Lady Cosetta, he makes back to Mettingloom, the land to the North, in the hope of securing favour with the Winter King by offering them for ransom. In this, he is determined, as Beauceron has a driving lust to mount an army to take hold of Croad and wreak vengeance on Lord Thaume's family. Mettingloom is no place for the faint hearted, rule divided between the Winter and Summer Kings, there is intrigue and social subtleties to be adhered to. As an audience with the King is delayed, Beauceron suspects foul play and finds himself embroiled in treachery, political aspirations and manipulations from all sides.

Stretton delivers a plausible world akin to eras past, whilst also providing originality through new creatures, modes of transport, magic and two fractious religions at loggerheads with one another. The plot is fluid and Stretton maintains a constant pace without losing the essence of surroundings, time and place. However, whilst all this is commendable and certainly provides for an interesting and enjoyable read; there is no real spark to the story itself. Indeed, it's rather like eating a McDonalds - eaten with relish but with no lasting impact. It is well written; fantasy fans will lap this up, but perhaps many will be left with hollowness, where it is instantly forgotten and the hunger for a more substantial meal is desired.

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