Cook, Dawn. First Truth.

Berkley, Ace. 336p. map. c2002. 0-441-00945-x. $6.99. SA

Forced to leave home in order to fulfill her destiny, Alissa searches for the Hold where Masters train Keepers in the ways of magic. With winter approaching, Alissa worries that she will not find the mysterious fortress before the snow becomes treacherous. During her travels, she meets Strell, a plainsman musician, who carries a map that details the journey to the Hold. Although they grate on each other's nerves, the farm girl and the musician decide to travel together. During the journey, Alissa experiments with the magical abilities she has previously ignored and produces some shaky results. She also has visions of her father's death at the hands of an evil Keeper named Bailic. Bailic has murdered several Keepers in the Hold in an effort to gain a most sought-after book, First Truth. Alissa becomes determined to find the book and to keep Bailic from becoming all-powerful through its use. Battling her feelings for Strell, her mental possession by the mysterious Useless, and the uncontrollable nature of her power, Alissa vows to keep the book from Bailic's hands and to honor the memory of her father.

The author excels at demonstrating the tension between the farmers and plainsmen with Alissa's and Strell's stereotypical attitudes towards each other upon first meeting. As the two travel together, their relationship blossoms into one of friendship, understanding, and even love. With an almost claustrophobic setting and a small cast of characters, this novel is an admirable effort albeit with a rushed ending. The entire book leads up to the confrontation between Bailic, Alissa, and the First Truth, and this ultimate challenge never really materializes. The ending provided could certainly serve as an enticement for a much-needed sequel. An entertaining read. Ginger Armstrong, Prin. Lib. Assoc., County P.L., Chesterfield, VA