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The third novel in the latest Valdemar series doesn't break any new ground, but it does give fans what we've come to expect -- likeable characters, interesting personal relationships, magic, adventure, and the pleasure of visiting old friends. We meet Darian again -- Darian Firkin k'Vala k'Valdemar (the name is a bit of a mouthful, but Darian earned his names with an eventful life) -- now a young man with an important role in the life of his adopted people.

When we first met him, Darian was an orphan with no real place in his village. Now he has found home, family, and purpose with the Tayledras, and he is a founding member of the new Vale located near his old home of Errold's Grove. The Vale serves as an embassy of sorts, the meeting place for a council of the diverse peoples and cultures that meet in this far corner of Valdemar.

Keisha Alder is both chief Healer for the Vale and Healer for Errold's Grove, and is torn between her duties and her feelings for Darian. She fears that at some point she's going to have to make a choice between duty and desire, and she fears her happiness with Darian cannot last forever.

The news that two Heralds are coming to the Vale -- one of them Keisha's sister Shandi -- has both Keisha and Darian caught up in plans for days of celebration and ceremony. No sooner are the ceremonies completed than Darian finds a clue that may led to answers to life long questions concerning the fate of his parents, missing since Darian was a young boy. The pair, with a party of friends, set off on a quest to find Darian's answers, and along the way Keisha may find some answers of her own.

Owl Knight is a pleasant entry in an enjoyable series, though I fear that this has become a series for fans, with so much history, characters, and details about the different magical beings assumed to be common knowledge that a newcomer might feel more than a little bit lost in the clutter. I miss the intimate feel of the early novels; the experience of being passionately involved with the characters. Owl Knight is a smooth, comfortable read, but I was mostly riding along on the surface. There is almost too much here; many interesting details passing by without being expanded upon. Even so, there is a good deal to enjoy.

Jeri is a voracious reader who believes that paradise could well be a quiet afternoon, unlimited chocolate, and a novel to lose herself in. She reads and reviews all types of fiction, and enjoys sharing her life long passion for books with like-minded readers.