New Zealand Fantasy writing is usually touch and go. We have our geniuses such as Maurice Gee (specialising in Young Adult fiction, he's produced a few national classics such as 'The Halfmen of O' and 'Under The Mountain'), and we have those who are trying very hard, and achieving some success, such as Russell Kirkpatrick, he of the finely drawn maps and slow-yet-compelling plots. Unlike Australian authors who've surged forward and really stamped their names on the fantasy map, New Zealand authors have a way to go to really make their mark.

So it was with no surprise, really, that I found James Norcliffe's 'Assassin of Gleam' left a lot to be desired. Norcliffe's young adult writings have been well received, and this novel marked his entry into writing darker work suitable for an adult audience. However, I don't believe it was successful, and I believe the author became a little muddled during the transition.

Within the first three pages there was an appalling plot mishap. This signaled the beginning of 200 pages replete with error after error: inconsistencies, poor characterisation, and an empty plot. A bewildering example: The driving motif for the novel rests on the understanding the Markgrave of Gleam, tryrant in the extreme, has that the prophesied Maiden - the object of the commoners' love and hope - is but an idea, an idea that must be thwarted in order for him to continue his controlling rule. He quite clearly goes through a process of realising that she is only an idea and that he can't hope to put down an idea with force of arms, which leads him to the mysterious Brotherhood for aid. Further in the book, however, after a conversation with one of his Captains, the Markgrave credits said Captain with helping him to understand that the Maiden is just an idea, and not an actual person. One wonders how the editor missed such a glaring inconsistency, and others like it.

The plot itself is short, simple and uncomplicated, which in itself is not a flaw. Many brilliant tales are told best through simplicity. Sadly, this is not a brilliant tale, nor is it effective. Its predictability, and empty characterisation (the 'heroes' are insipid and rather thick-headed, and the Markgrave merely a bully), makes for a boring tale instead. There is an art in simplicity, and Norcliffe hasn't mastered it. The man can write, it is true, and perhaps that was the most frustrating element of reading the book. When he is on form in Gleam, his writing is strong and enjoyable.

While I wish to support any efforts from New Zealand fantasy writers, I can't say that I'd ever buy the rest of the proposed series of Gleam writings, which is a shame. I only hope the following efforts improve, and that the editor does a better job. ( )