Sarah Zettel - Novels of Isavalta

I had not heard of Sarah before but now that I have time to read her list of publications, I think some of you may recognize her work. She is an accomplished writer best known for her Science Fiction. Some of her works include:

Reclamation
Fool's War
Playing God
The Quiet Invasion
Kingdom of Cages

I originally picked up this series as sort of "filler" reading to keep me occupied while waiting for.... (drumroll please)... "A Feast for Crows"! (See George R. R. Martin entry). Let me say that I was pleasantly surprised. The cover art on the paperback of the novels (only 2 of the series are out yet with the third due in August 2004, next month. Stay tuned for that review) sort of appealed to me. The girl on the cover of the first novel, "A Sorcerer's Treason" had this mesmerizing facial expression... To me anyway.... The series is as follows:

1. A Sorcerer's Treason
2. The Usurper's Crown
and coming soon...
3. The Firebird's Vengeance

The first book in the series is, chronologically, the second book. The second book is, chronologically, the first. In the first book, "A Sorcerer's Treason" you get to know Bridget Lederle and follow her adventures into the land of Isavalta. You are told, vaguely, that the reason she has to leave her home (Lake Superior, in a fishing village around 1900) has something to do with her mother. In the second book, "The Usurper's Crown", you get all the back story. You learn about the antagonist from the first book as well as Bridget's mother, Ingrid Loftfield, and her story.

The world Sarah Zettel creates is rich, lush, and magnificent. It is filled with intrigue, magic, and politics that you can really get into. Two thumbs up and, once again, I eagerly await the next, and last, installment.

...when WILL I stop picking series that I have to wait to continue/finish? Such bad luck...