Odalisque

December 11, 2006
A magnificent setting distinguishes this first of a new fantasy
\t\t trilogy from McIntosh (The Quickening), who
\t\t imbues the city-state of Percheron with many attributes of Constantinople under
\t\t the Ottoman Turks. Joreb, the zar (or ruler) of Percheron, is well served by
\t\t his military leader, the handsome Lazar, who fought his way to freedom from
\t\t slavery. When Joreb dies an untimely death, Boaz—Joreb's 15-year-old son by
\t\t his beautiful, intelligent and ambitious first wife—becomes zar. But not even
\t\t Lazar or Pez, a dwarf jester whom nearly everyone thinks is mad, can shield
\t\t young Boaz from the cruel necessities of ruling Percheron. (McIntosh, who
\t\t doesn't stint on depicting the brutality of slaughter, includes a disturbing
\t\t castration scene.) Meanwhile, gods and goddesses feud, a new odalisque joins
\t\t the harem, and a neighboring kingdom threatens invasion. While the author
\t\t leaves the culture's religious aspects undeveloped, strong characters and an
\t\t enticing plot bode well for future installments.

February 15, 2007
Captured and taken as a slave to the desert city of Percheron, Lazar fought his way to freedom and to a powerful position as the Spur of Percheron, a protector of the city and a favorite of the Zar Joreb. But the Zar's death finds Lazar at odds with the ambitious mother of the new 15-year-old Zar Boaz. In addition, he is drawn to one of Boaz's harem girls, the spirited Ana, whose desire for freedom drives Lazar to risk everything for her happiness. The author of the "Quickening Trilogy" ("Myrren's Gift; Blood and Memory; Bridge of Souls") begins a new saga with a tale of romance and sacrifice, mystery and magic that is redolent with lavish detail. Intriguing characters and an exotic setting make this series opener a good choice for most adult fantasy collections.

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