Wizards, 2003, $6.95, ISBN 0-7869-3073-X, 277 pages, paperback

The third novel in the "Wind" series (see Wind of War, Wind of Honor) is better than the first two. The main character is more interesting. The plot is more interesting. Even the villains are more interesting.

Basically, one of the four heirs to the throne of the Samurai-inspired Empire Rokugan is tracking down a mad wizard who may or may not want the Empire swept away. In the City of Night, complete with a relic-strewn cave, the wizard's been working to unlock the secrets of the place--under protection of a faction hostile to our hero. Add in an assassin, a band of loyal retainers, an interloping dream demon, and at least one or two good fight scenes, and you have a neat little adventure.

Of note is that this third novel comes from the word processor of a different writer than the first two. Sadly, the fourth will not be written by him, although perhaps others will be.

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