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February 26, 2001
Overwritten and overwrought, Anthony's third installment of a projected six-book fantasy series overwhelms readers with a clichéd magical universe and a crowded cast of characters. Beyond the Pale
(1998), the deservedly popular first book, introduced Travis Wilder, a likable Colorado bartender, and the equally personable doctor, Grace Beckett, with otherworldly ties to Eldh, an alternate universe full of kingdoms that are highly derivative versions of Egyptian, Norse, Celtic, Roman and Greek mythology. Somehow Beckett and Wilder became saviors on planet Eldh, escaping in the, alas, more tedious sequel,
The Keep of Fire
(1999), with grievously injured knight Beltan to Earth in order for Beltan to receive advanced medical treatment. In this third book the evil Duratek company, twin of countless other subversive corporations found in various entertainment media, captures Beltan for purposes of genetic experimentation and exploitation. While Grace and Travis try to save Beltan on Earth, on Eldh the "Weirding" that witches use to communicate is unraveling and gods and goddesses are dropping like flies. By overdoing trite magical devices and using too many characters to move the plot forward, this hodgepodge comes off as an overblown homage to other writers whose fantasy worlds are far more original than Anthony's and who know the power of simplicity despite complex plots. Hopefully book four, Blood of Mystery, will find Anthony back on track.