Patton, Fiona. The golden sword.

(Branion series). DAW. 416p. c2001. 0-88677-921-9. $6.99. JSA 

In a world of castles, royalty and sentient Elements, Camden, flighty and moody as his beloved Wind, is inextricably tied to all three. From his birth, the Wind has been with him, teasing his golden hair and taking his spirit off to fly among the meadows and chimney pots of Branion. When Cam's father dies, Cain's uncle Celestus offers him fostership at his castle, Tavenstock. There, Cam finds companionship in Celestus' daughters Danielle, Quin and Lisha, who are also Chosen of the Aspects. Together, they are secretly instructed by Celestus and a retired priest on how to give themselves over to their Aspects to form a Circle of ever-increasing power. Gradually, Cam becomes aware of the ulterior motive behind the secret training: Celestus plans to try the theory of the Triarchy Heresy, the idea that everyone is entitled to the full strength of the Elements they contain. While the other youngsters readily embrace the intensive training and dogma, Cam only wishes to be free to soar with the Wind, far from the demands of divided loyalties.

For teens feeling isolated and dreaming of escape, there is much to identify with here. Patton's writing has become more active and easier to follow, so though much of the story is told in flashbacks, it has an easy flow. There is still an extensive cast of characters, but the storyline focuses more deeply on a few, building to a well-thoughtout climax and Afterword. The created world history is brought in just enough to give an established sense without becoming pedantic, and gives motivation and body to the story and people. The best of the series so far. Liz LaValley, Mattapoisett, MA