The Edge of the World

April 13, 2009
Having wound up his seven-volume space opera, the Saga of Seven Suns, bestseller Anderson moves hesitantly into fantasy with this uninspired series opener. A promising attempt to end a long history of war between the followers of Aiden and Urec, two of the sons of creator-god Ondun, is scuttled when an accidental fire engulfs the city of Ishalem, which occupies the isthmus separating the warring kingdoms. The repercussions of the blaze, which include massacres, betrayals and vicious reprisals, play out over the next 13 years as naval chartsmen guide the kingdoms' sailing ships through the treacherous waters around Ishalem. The details of the cultures and politics add little insight into human nature, and a paucity of fantasy elements gives readers no reason to prefer this tale over its numerous contemporaries.

June 22, 2009
This sprawling epic marks sf author Anderson's ("Saga of Seven Suns" series; Enemies & Allies) fantasy debut. This first volume of a trilogy follows the clash of two powerful nations, Tierra and Uraba, and the fate of their leaders and citizens through 15 years of fighting and exploration. Verdict There are some similarities to Ursula Le Guin's "Earthsea" series and Harry Harrison's "The Hammer and the Cross" books, but this novel is not derivative. While the themes are adult, young adults will also find much to enjoy. The related music CD, Beyond the Horizon, may also be of interest. Highly recommended for epic fantasy fans.-Sara Tompson, Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles

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