As she did in the Kingmaker, Kingbreaker duology (2005) and other works – Starwars and Stargate novels, in particular – Karen Miller shows herself to be a master of the genre.

In this latest book, myriad passages of observation, mood and detail move gracefully as they illuminate characters’ lives, resulting in a spirited fantasy. Sometimes the characters and events do exude a sense of emotional and situational cliché, but that’s quite normal in this sort of adventure.

Fans will undoubtedly be satisfied with this first part of the Fisherman’s Children, two-book story arc that concludes with The Reluctant Mage.

Some 17 years have passed since the last “Mage War”, in which Asher defeated the dark sorcerer Morg. Now, the weather magic that secures Lur is deteriorating and Asher risks his life to avoid a rift in the very fabric of the land. His son, Rafel, is a mage of immense power, and with the land facing devastation the boy could be their only hope for survival.

To save his people, Rafel, defies Asher and sets out to cross Barl’s Mountains to make contact with the people who live on the other side. Will he succeed where all other expeditions have failed?

When Rafel’s company is lost, Asher is dragged into an epic struggle against the forces of evil.

The plot is slowly revealed as Asher and his family make some tough decisions. Readers are dragged into the family squabbles and this makes for some great characterisation. But this isn’t the place to begin with Miller’s work. It’s recommended that readers peruse her first two novels before tackling The Prodigal Mage. – Voyager/HarperCollins, $22.99