Godslayer

June 27, 2005
Lord Satoris Banewreaker has the best of intentions when he opposes Haomane, his brother god, but his actions sunder the world of Urulat. Carey's complex Sundering fantasy series, of which this follows 2004's Banewreaker
, challenges the reader more than her well-received Kushiel trilogy (Kushiel's Dart
, etc.). The stately pace, the plethora of names and sentient species (of which Man is only one) and the difficult main characters—cold, dignified gods—will put off some fans of the earlier, more accessible series. In addition, the author owes too obvious a debt to Tolkien: hobbitlike folk bear powerful, mystical objects analogous to Frodo's ring, while the ethereally beautiful Cerelinde could have been lifted bodily from Loth Lorien. On the other hand, a figure like Tanaros, who retains his honor by slaying his wife and king for betraying him, shows Carey can still create strong, original characters, and the climax, when gods and men fall in battle like ninepins, not only nicely ties everything up but is quite moving as well. Agent, Jane Dystel.

August 15, 2005
War between the exiled god Satoris and his sibling gods has finally broken out as Satoris has captured the elven woman Cerelinde, who is instrumental in keeping the peace among those allied against the dark god. Leading Satoris's troops is the immortal general Tanaros, who finds himself falling in love with his lord's gentle captive while she seeks to undermine her captors' violent plans. The author of the "Kushiel's Legacy" trilogy continues her latest series with this sequel to Banewreaker, telling a story that turns the standard views of good and evil on their heads. A good choice for fantasy collections and particularly where Carey's books have a following.

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2005
Urulat is in a bad way. With a final prophecy unfolding, the races have united to bring down the evil Satoris. But the key to the prophecy's fulfillment, the elvish princess Cerelinde, is Satoris' captive. His supporters want her dead. He lets her live because she reminds him of his former goodness. And he sits in Darkhaven, his fortress, mourning his considerable losses and slowly going mad. Lord Tanaros, Satoris' first in command, has also lost much, and grief and rage have hardened a wall around his heart. Yet Cerelinde has somehow touched him. For both men, she is the seed of redemption at the heart of perilous choices that will determine the fate of Urulat. Still, there is a wild card in the person of the Bearer, a resourceful young boy charged with bringing the precious water of life to Darkhaven. Darkhaven's deadly trolls have his scent, though, and they always get their prey. The sequel to " Banewrecker" (2004) is vintage Carey, though some may fast-forward through the more elaborately embroidered passages.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)