Courage of Falcons (Secret Texts, Book Three).

New York, NY Warner Books, 2001. Paperback First Edition Thus [2001], Second Printing. Very Near Fine in Wraps: the pages have tanned very slightly, due to aging and there is a touch of faint thumb-smudging to the fore-edge; the binding is square and secure; the text is clean. Virtually 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 12mo. 433pp. First Edition Thus [2001], Second Printing. Mass Market Paperback. When I got to the last page of "Courage of Falcons", I realized a couple of things: Holly Lisle's Secret Texts novels are individual brilliant, as a trilogy are the epitome of quality, artistry, and power in print, and will remain in my mind as the most fascinating and astonishing fantasy novels I've ever read. The world of Matrin is in serious trouble, now occupied by the soul-stealing Dragons. The time has come for shape-shifting Falcons Kait Galweigh and Ry Sabir to clean house. They've had to make sacrifices along the way since discovering each other in "Diplomacy of Wolves", but nothing has prepared them for the last of the many tests they face -- and this one may cost them more than their lives.They're not the only ones struggling to make the right choice. One of the most fascinating characters in this series has been Crispin Sabir, who as revealed in "Vengeance of Dragons" has been hiding an incredible secret. What happens with him and Ulwe, the Scarred-sheltered child who can pick up psychic clues by "reading the roads" will change how you think about villains forever. Like the Galweigh House, the world of Matrin is a mysterious mansion, one I see filled with tapestries, each telling one particular story, woven so subtly together that the small threads of dynamite (like the soul-devourers that hunt between worlds) become so deftly entwined in the story that you never see the blast coming. There's a line from the novel -- "Nothing is ever lost. Love survives" -- that describes what Holly Lisle does so well with her work. Even knowing this, I wasn't prepared for the final showdown. I won't give away any spoilers, but the ultimate solution will blow you away. Holly Lisle can write fantasy like no one else in the business. She's the reason I'm often tempted to burn everything I've ever written. I highly recommend this novel, along with "Diplomacy of Wolves" and "Vengeance of Dragons", to anyone who enjoys a great read.