On Wings of Evil

Dave Jenkinson is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba and the author of the “Portraits” section of Emergency Librarian.

A sequel to On the Wings of a Dragon, this engaging fantasy novel begins
some six months after 15-year-old Maighdlin has become the ruler of her
island homeland and has assumed the title of Queen Galea. Unlike most
sequels, On Wings of Evil lacks a catch-up chapter and seemingly assumes
that readers will have encountered the first book. However, those who
haven’t will not be significantly disadvantaged—On Wings of Evil
works well as a stand-alone read.

Excellent plotting and structure, strengths of the first novel, are
equally present in this offering. Again, Taylor creates a pair of
apparently unconnected storylines, one revolving about Maighdlin and the
other involving the bird-girl Kour’el and her companion, the giant
dragon Api’Naga. The two stories are told in alternating chapters, but
they become integrated toward the book’s ending. The novel’s already
quick pace is enhanced by the fact that some of the alternating chapters
end on cliffhanger moments. Fantasy readers know that evil is only
temporarily, never permanently, defeated, and so the evil Queen Mariah
reappears, her beautiful face now on the loathsome body of a harpy. A
new voice is that of Prince Capdevilla, Queen Mariah’s son and the
ruler of the neighbouring kingdom of Teresita. Ostensibly, Capdevilla is
seeking a wife in Maighdlin, but he is actually selfishly pursuing the
source of his mother’s supernatural powers. Though On Wings of Evil
ends on a happy note with Maighdlin’s finding love, sufficient
suggestions of foreboding remain to indicate the likelihood of a third
instalment. Highly recommended.