Book Review: Banewreaker

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Banewreaker     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jacqueline Carey
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Series: The Sundering # 1
Tor, Nov 2004, $27.95, 432 pp.

The Seven Shapers worked in harmonious unity using the power of the Souma to shape the world and its races to their images. After a time the eldest Haomane did not like what he observed; he felt his brother Satoris gave too much to the subservient. He demanded that his sibling extract his Gift to mankind, but an outraged prideful Satoris refuses as he insists he is no underling. The Shapers' War explodes with the world as its victim.

The battling brothers reside on opposite sides of the Sundering Ocean with the other siblings living with Haomane while Satoris resides in underground Darkhaven. Haomane would confront and kill Satoris, but knows that his foe possesses the deadly Godslayer. Instead he uses innuendos and rumors amongst the people that Satoris, the Father of Lies, caused the sundering destruction and spreads a prophecy of good times once Satoris dies.

Satoris must prevent the prophecy from happening because the end state is his death. He sends loyal immortal General Tanaros Blacksword to kidnap the also immortal Cerelinde to stop her from marrying a royal mortal, part of the prophecy. At the same time Malthus leads Haomane's forces on an assault of Darkhaven.

This opening act of the Sundering tales is an exhilarating epic war of the gods’ fantasy. The fast-paced story line grips readers because the non-stop action makes believers of readers that the Seven Shapers especially the two antagonists are genuine with powers beyond mortals. Similar to Tolkien mythos, genre fans will appreciate Jacqueline Carey proof that she has plenty to offer readers beyond Kushiel with this fantastic tale in which good and evil is blurred except for a tremendous public relations campaign.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner