Elizabeth Haydon's Prophecy follows Rhapsody, which introduced the eponymous Rhapsody (a singer of immense powers through her knowledge of the past and of names), Achmed (an assassin of legendary powers and abilities) and Grunthor (a giant creature with military bearing, who likes to talk about eating his vanquished opponents -- just to count coup, you understand). In this novel, the three friends must split up on their continuing quest to defeat the F’dor before his diabolical plans can be brought to fruition.

New characters play important roles in this novel: Jo – Rhapsody’s adopted teenage sister, whomRhapsody rescued from sacrifice and followed her heart into adopting and taking along; and Ashe -- a member of an ancient race who has lived for centuries, and has been sent to observe Rhapsody and friends. Things get complicated by his growing interest in Rhapsody and Jo’s growing interest in him.

Haydon continues true to form in the second part of this trilogy. The most surprising fact is that her trilogy goes unnamed, while it is fashionable in the Fantasy world today to name them. Haydon doesn’t seem to feel the need to fit in and do what everyone else is doing, which is what makes her books so interesting in the first place. Reader attachment to the characters grows as each word is painted on the page. Haydon’s world is beautifully scripted -- filled with glorious deeds, evil minions and heroic people. Not quite Tolkien, but Prophecy comes very close.

• Rhapsody