Arcanum

Starred review from September 30, 2013
Science fiction author Morden (the Petrovitch Trilogy) makes a masterful foray into an alternate universe where, a thousand years after the fall of Rome, Europe is divided into numerous petty kingdoms and magic is a tool and a weapon. The cunning Order of hexmasters—whose enchantments create bridges, power cities, underpin commerce, and annihilate entire armies—is the ruthless power behind the throne in the German palatinate of Carinthia. When the magic abruptly stops, enemies amass armies at Carinthia’s borders and mobs take over its streets. Under-librarian Frederik Thaler and illiterate huntmaster Peter Büber are both certain that the library holds the kingdom’s salvation. Capricious adept Nikoleta Agana may be the last remaining hexmaster. Twelve-year-old prince Felix is thrust onto the throne after his father’s death in battle. Willful, shamefully unmarried Sophia Morgenstern is determined to protect her fellow Jews from terror-fueled pogroms. An engrossing rollercoaster of a plot winds up with a solidly satisfying climax that leaves the reader craving more. Agent: Anthony Harwood, Anthony Harwood Literary Agency.

Starred review from November 1, 2013
Medieval fantasy from the author of The Curve of the Earth (2013), developed from a single question: What if a civilization that relied on magic was suddenly deprived of it? A thousand years after the fall of Rome, the German-speaking palatinate of Carinthia depends entirely on the magic provided by its hexmasters for trade and farming, defense, even lighting for the great library. In exchange, the hexmasters claim one-half of Carinthia's wealth. Peter Buber, Prince Gerhard's huntmaster, is disturbed by his discovery of not one, but two unicorn's horns, with no sign of the beasts they were attached to; equally odd, he witnesses a band of wild giants defeat and kill an Italian wizard. Meanwhile, Teuton warriors demand passage across Carinthia; when Gerhard refuses, they move downriver to attack and occupy a town. As the princes have done for 1,000 years, Gerhard dons his magical armor, buckles on his magical sword and, not expecting to fight--an activity for which his forces are quite unsuited--summons the hexmasters, anticipating a blast of magic and an easy victory. Instead, only Nikoleta Agana, a mere adept, answers Gerhard's call: Apparently, she is the only person still able to wield magic. Soon, wagons shudder to a halt; barges float with instead of against the current; and the lights go out. Only in the Jewish quarter, where magic is shunned, does life proceed normally. The stellar cast also features rebellious, extremely capable and unfortunately unwed Sophia Morgenstern, her despairing father, Aaron, librarian Frederik Thaler, usher-turned-spymaster Max Ullmann, and Felix, Gerhard's 12-year-old son. The fading-magic scenario has become something of a trope, but Morden, against a gritty, utterly convincing backdrop, anticipates every consequence and wrings out surprise after surprise. An enthralling read for aficionados of intelligent, impeccably rendered fantasy.

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December 1, 2013

A thousand years after the fall of Rome, Europe has redeveloped a civilization that allows for the flow of trade among states (when not engaged in war), easier methods of farming, the preservation of knowledge, and time for occasional celebrations--all owing to the magic that is controlled by the powerful, secretive hexmasters. A few people, however, have noticed signs that magic is fading: unicorns have disappeared almost entirely from the forests, and the hexmasters are no longer approachable. The future of the Palatinate of Carinthia may lie in the knowledge possessed by a novice magic user, an unassuming librarian, and a Jewish scholar and his educated, independent-minded daughter, particularly when the water stops flowing, the lights go out, and enemies make good their threat of war. VERDICT Morden (The Lost Art; "Metrozone" series) has created a version of the Middle Ages caught in the transition from magic to science. Vividly drawn characters, a compassionate understanding of medieval daily life, and the ability to combine action scenes with domestic and philosophic interludes make Morden's latest novel both an entertaining journey and a learning experience.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.