In this sequel, members of a clan fear that a malevolent figure who spearheaded a devastating battle has returned.

Veloian is the smallest clan in the Icka Domain on a distant planet. The clan comprises two classes: Hunters (warriors) and Users, who have such capabilities as telekinesis and mind linking. Young Belara is a Hunter while her twin brother, Pentor, is a User—both are still in training. They’re the children of the Veloian Na’Katon (leader), Te’Har, and his lover, Ti’Aya. When Te’Har hears of a “massive explosion” at the Kazar, the site of the Great Battle among clans long ago, he and others journey there. Against their parents’ wishes, the twins and a handful of friends follow their elders. It isn’t long before Te’Har discovers the trailing young ones, who eventually learn about the Great Battle. Back when clans lived in harmony with one another, Matoca, a User from Clan Adeian, inexplicably acquired new abilities. He created the Great Utterance, which was so powerful it pitted clan against clan and even class against class. Though Clan Veloian stopped the fighting at the time, the recent activity at the Kazar seemingly indicates that Matoca is back. Smellie’s (The Meeting, 2014, etc.) second installment of a fantasy series is an entertaining tale from the perspective of the engaging twins. Belara and Pentor display suitable childlike traits (defying elders’ orders) as well as unprecedented aptitudes, such as Pentor’s having a vision despite most claiming he’s too young. Adults, meanwhile, provide obstacles; they initially disregard the amiable youngsters’ questions about the Great Battle (“It will all be explained later”). The story moves quickly, as it primarily consists of the group’s expedition to the Kazar and ends with an action scene that deftly sets up the next series entry. While this lucid novella can act as a stand-alone (smoothly introducing entirely new characters), readers may want to read Smellie’s preceding book, which more thoroughly details the clans’ strange world.

Delightful protagonists and a consistent pace make for an enjoyable fantasy tale.