In a fantasy trilogy, the middle book is usually regarded as a link or transition between the first and third books. It is also often gets labelled with the dreaded “middle-book syndrome” by numerous readers and reviewers. I would have liked to express that Son of Truth by Morgan Busse, the middle volume in her Follower of the Word series, challenges that label. Actually, it does not. Nevertheless, I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

Son of Truth picks up right where Daughter of Light left off and continues the journey of Rowen Mar. Rowen is a woman who bears a unique mark on her hand, a talisman of great power and link to a heritage she uncovered in the first book. However, there are sinister forces that will learn about her power and will do whatever it takes to stop her.

Moreover, in this middle volume of the series, Caleb Tala emerges more clearly, and Busse portrays his change from assassin into a form he has not entirely accepted. Will he in the last book in the series? Also, his connection to Rowen Mar will be key in saving their world from total domination by the Shadonae.

Busse also introduces a romantic subplot into the narrative, which I initially thought would distract from the main storyline. Yet that’s not the situation, and their dynamic seems genuine. Additionally, I think Busse is demonstrating through Rowen that being a Follower of the Word (a Christian term) is challenging and that having faith is hard-earned.

Son of Truth does not feel like a complete story on its own, and that’s where it will get tagged with the middle book syndrome label. However, Busse has done a very good job with the main characters of the story, and pacing is solid as well. I’m looking forward to reading Heir of Hope, the last volume of the trilogy. Epic fantasy readers should definitely give this series a try.