Publisher's Weekly Review

This doorstopper of a debut, the first in a sword and sorcery trilogy, introduces an appealing cast caught up in wonderfully complicated political conflict. On the surface, the struggle is between the Tressian Republic, championed by heroic Viktor Akadra, and the rebellious Southshires, whose heirs, Josiri Trelan and his younger sister, Calenne, are Tressian state prisoners. The strife between these ruling families is complicated by supernatural forces, some of which, like Josiri's beloved demon Anastacia, are widely known, but some remain hidden, like the dark shadow lurking within Viktor. Meanwhile, the nearby Hadari Empire prepares to invade Tressian Republic even as Hadari Princess Melanna struggles with the restrictions placed on her as a woman and contemplates joining the lunassera, handmaidens to the Goddess of Light. In fact, underpinning all of the human machinations are the schemes of the capricious gods, who have been at work for generations to influence their followers toward either Darkness or Light. Ward's experience as a tabletop game designer is apparent in his expansive universe and tight plotting. Expertly interspersing vivid action sequences with quiet, introspective stretches, Ward guides readers and characters alike through this winding, well-crafted saga. The result is an impressive series opener that satisfyingly remixes genre staples. Agent: John Jarrold, John Jarrold Literary. (Apr.)