The Red Wolf Conspiracy works in so many different ways to fire a reader's imagination that it's difficult to enumerate them. The various levels of the plot develop gradually, so that while we always suspect that there is more to the action than what meets the eye, it's always a surprise when we discover each new layer as its revealed. Perhaps even more interesting is the ambiguity of the characters' nature. Is it so evil what the plotters are doing in orchestrating the destruction of their Empire's enemies? After all, they are only carrying out the wishes of their government in this matter, making them not very different from government operatives in our own world.

The Mzithrins have terrorized them and their allies in the past, so why shouldn't they desire to see them finally defeated? Listening to them rationalize their behaviour, they don't sound particularly evil; ruthless in the way they'll use whatever means necessary to achieve their ends certainly, but they have hopes and dreams just as Pazel and Thasha do. That doesn't stop them from being the villains of the piece, but it does make them far more interesting as characters, and makes those portions of the story told from their perspective that much more interesting.

In the end, what makes this story so captivating is Robert Redick's ability to bring this world to life. From storms at sea, everyday life aboard a ship, and life ashore, every scene is so lovingly detailed that you can almost smell the salt of the ocean, or feel the planks of the ship shudder beneath your feet as it weathers a blow. The Red Wolf Conspiracy takes its readers on a wonderful voyage of adventure that they won't regret booking passage on. Keep an eye out though for your next opportunity to sail the high seas with Robert Redick and his cast of characters, as this is only the first leg of The Chathrand Voyage Trilogy.

The Red Wolf Conspiracy is distributed in Canada by McArthur & Company and is available through regular retail outlets and on line through retailers like Amazon Canada. For now, American readers can only purchase it online through Amazon.com, but it will soon be available for sale in book stores through Del Ray books as they've just purchased the American rights.