>>6237713Thank you. Been trying to remember the name since I posted that.
The first book was great, but ended on a cliffhanger that requires reading the second. The second book was "only" good, didn't quite live up to the potential from the setup in the first.
The duology, however, is totally worth it as a complete story. It's almost a period piece, sort of like an alternative timeline from the era of Mongolian hordes invading. As mentioned, some interesting Japanese/Asian traditional plot elements, so a bit political and complex with some brutal tragedy.
And, Michael Whelan ... always a go-to artist for some incredible work. Well worth anyone's time to search his stuff up. Very diverse and over 40 years of prolific content.
