2008-05-28 Middle of a trilogy, with legs enough to stand on its own

I ordered this book because I'd read the Sword of Change series, and loved Devlin's story (highly recommended, if you haven't read them yet). I therefore knew I'd enjoy Bray's next work. The Sea Change is the middle of a trilogy, yet having not read The First Betrayal, I must admit for once I did not feel the lack. As with any trilogy, no doubt there is much to be gained from reading the first book, not least engaging with the central character - in this case, characters - but the logical way that Bray has broken up the story means that this book can be read and enjoyed without having read the first book.

This story is told from 2 perspectives, or three if you understand that the monk Josan and the royal Prince Lucius share one body between them. The other perspective is that of Master Trader Ysobel - sea merchant by inclination, and in the first book of the series, a co conspirator with Lucius in the unsuccessful attempt to steal the throne from Empress Nerissa, the rightful ruler of Ikaria - the kingdom that Lucius and Josan are from. Ysobel is from the Federation of Seddon, who would take advantage of any political unrest in their larger, powerful neighbour.

The book begins with the murder of all Empress Nerissa's royal family save one, the betrayer prince, Lucius. A suspect in their murder while having been under house arrest during it, Lucius/Josan is first interrogated and then established as a figurehead ruler, ironically fulfilling his wish to become Emperor but very much as a political pawn of the council. With no freedom, power or funds, Lucius / Josan must use their skills not only to stay alive and out of danger, but to better their situation and remove themselves from the influence who seek to use the new Emperor.

In the meanwhile, Ysobel becomes immersed in Federation politics in turn. The Federation are hoping to take advantage of an unsettled Ikaria. Their strength being the sea, they have co-opted merchant vessels such as Ysobel's, and begin to clear the area of `pirate' ships, retaking harbour towns and stationing themselves at strategic locations to do so. While determined to not be political following the disastrous coup attempt to which Ysobel was party, nonetheless to prove her loyalty Ysobel must comply with Federation goals.

There are a number of things I really liked about this book. The two kingdoms concerned are distinctly drawn, the various secondary characters certainly are entities in themselves, with similarities and differences that are not necessarily cultural - for example the Council members of both countries have similar political motivations with resultant similar mindsets.

However what I enjoyed the most was that Josan, Lucius and Ysobel are all very different from each other. The contrast is marked in that Josan and Lucius share a body, but are not of a single mind about anything. They differ on almost any point except the matter of their survival. And although we hear mostly from Josan, that does not mean that Josan is more right, perceptive or has any higher quality of character than Lucius. They are products of their very different personalities and upbringings. Ysobel is different again - coolly calculating on one hand, but clear sighted.

It is not until the last few pages that the reader sees them together again, and I found it interesting that Ysobel told of that meeting. How she analyses everything such as what Lucius is wearing, the way he walks with her and interprets that as to how Lucius views her is absolutely fascinating. Certainly if Josan is `wearing' their shared body at the time, I'm not sure that Ysobel is interpreting this correctly, yet certainly the reader can see why she does. But if it is Lucius that is in charge, perhaps she is seeing clearly. As the reader does not know which, has the viewpoint she has shared with the reader in her side of the tale similarly potentially flawed? Is she so clear sighted after all?

Bray is a very skilled writer, and her understanding of the nature of the flawed hero seems to shine through in this very original tale, from all three central characters. Well worth a read.