her identity. This effectively stops Axis' conquests because without her; he can't travel through the Gates of Time. The forces of Seale see Axis's army retreat in fear, which strengthens Tessera's claim on the throne. Kane stays with her daughter, and Nepenthe remains in the Royal Library, the only life she ever wants to know. Literary significance and reception The Magill Book Review said in their 2004 review that "Reading Patricia A. McKillip's novels is itself like being drawn into a faraway world thick with magic. The intricate style weaves a tapestry whose extra dimensions reveal themselves only gradually." Publishers Weekly praised the female leads saying "Best of all, the strong female leads neither rail against nor submit to patriarchy. In this magical world blissfully free of bias, people are simply themselves, equally intelligent and witty and thoroughly capable while prone to the occasional error, in a manner that transcends feminism and becomes a celebration of essential humanity." See also 2004 in literature References 2004 American novels American fantasy novels Books with cover art by Kinuko Y. Craft Novels by Patricia A. McKillip Ace Books books