Conqueror’s Moon

Julian May isn’t one of my favourite author’s, but that doesn’t mean I refuse to read her.
I spotted this volume and thought it was worth a grab – and it is.
Picture a world where a continent-sized island was settled by mankind centuries ago, but there were earlier occupants. Mostly they are beyond mankind’s understanding, but some people have been given “sigils” by these creatures, allowing to do magic – if they will pay the price in their own pain.
Our hero is Prince Heritor Conrig. He has a vision to unite all 4 kingdoms on the island under his rule. With recent famine due to volcanic activity, he thinks it is the time to move.
This is a good old fashioned adventure, and I enjoyed the good read.
If May has a weakness which causes her not to be one of my favourites, I think it is because there is something lacking in her characterisations. I never quite become sympathetic with her characters, they never quite grab.
Nonetheless, this is a good read and I look forward to getting my hands on the sequels!