Stephen R. Donaldson, one of the greats of the fantasy genre, has returned to The Great God's War with the second installment, THE WAR WITHIN. As one would expect, while plots continue to turn over and new events propel us forward, this book is clearly the bridge from the bigger reveals of Book One and the forthcoming third and final volume.

Not that THE WAR WITHIN doesn't have its own stand-alone arc. Here we find Bifalt and Estie, bound by marriage, struggling to bring peace between their two realms. Even their personal union is fraught with peril for there is no real love keeping them together. The peace has been uneasy between the two long-warring countries. There are some who feel this united and peaceful existence should be torn asunder. Treachery lurks in the shadows and new dangers begin to arise, the biggest in the form of a mysterious new cult that believes peace may be found only by turning to their god.

"It has enough intrigue, mystery and magic to keep you engaged, and as the threat of war rises up to the doorstep of Bifalt and Estie, you will be begging for the final book to learn how all is resolved."

And the target of the growing darkness? The Last Repository, a great historic library filled with tomes of vast knowledge and power. And so much more. There are secrets within the Last Repository that, if accessed by the wrong hands, would mean disaster.

Donaldson, as ever, is patient and allows his story to unfold with great care. Like all of his work, the people who take up the pages of the book are so fully rounded and relatable. Even outside of the small core of central figures, Donaldson breathes enough life into his supporting cast that you actually find yourself just as interested in their successes.

THE WAR WITHIN may be a slow-moving story, but trust me, if you just sit back and roll with it, you will be rewarded. It has enough intrigue, mystery and magic to keep you engaged, and as the threat of war rises up to the doorstep of Bifalt and Estie, you will be begging for the final book to learn how all is resolved.

It's a joy to see Donaldson writing epic fantasy, but on a smaller scale than his Thomas Covenant series. With his style, he can still write deep and extraordinary stories, and having them confined to a mere 600 pages heightens the tension and makes the upcoming finale one to be eagerly awaited.