Take three: Fantasy fiction reviews

Diana Wynne Jones, one of fantasy's most accomplished authors, died in March 2011. She left behind a nearly completed manuscript, The Islands of Chaldea, which her younger sister, Ursula Jones has now completed. 12-year-old Aileen unexpectedly fails the initiation ceremony for "wise women" on the remote island of Skarr, but a wise woman is required to break the magical barriers between the four islands of Chaldea, loosely based on the British Isles. With the help of her redoubtable Aunt Beck, Aileen develops her own powers in classic fantasy fashion, surmounting a number of  hurdles to reconcile long-standing conflicts. Wynne Jones' dry wit and inventive fantasy will be sorely missed.

THE FALCON THRONE
By Karen Miller
Orbit. 676pp. $29.99.

Australian author Karen Miller starts her 'Tarnished Crown' fantasy quintet with The Falcon Throne, The lands of Harcia and Clemen share not only a border but also a long history of mutual hatred. While Miller mixes traditional fantasy elements, such as a sorcerer king, malevolent gods, witches and ambitious commoners, this is far from a cosy fantasy novel. Miller, in the tradition of Game of Thrones, creates some unlikeable characters, particularly amongst the aristocracy, and strong language and violence is ever present. Power is the ultimate goal with every throne under threat and family loyalties severely strained. Miller's numerous fans will definitely stay for the long haul.

THE BOOK OF LIFE
By Deborah Harkness
Headline. 582pp. $29.99.

The Book of Life completes Harkness's 'All Souls' trilogy, which follows the story of academic 'witch', Dr Diana Bishop and vampire biochemist Professor Matthew Clairmont. In the first book, A Discovery of Witches, Bishop uncovered a mysterious manuscript in Oxford University's Bodleian Library. This triggered events which thrust them, and their blended families, into immediate danger, both in the past and the present. The couple's relationship is especially frowned upon by the Congregation, established to monitor non human activities. Harkness' conclusion ensures that love and determination prevail in an intriguing fictional mix of magic, science, and history.