The Darker Road

Something is rotten in the city of Barra-Dohn. In his new series The Wandering, Graham (The Binding of the Blade) thrusts readers into a world of sandstorms, hookworms, and rhino-scorpions where created objects are idolized and worshipped instead of Kalos, the creator. The power-hungry king Eirmon is threatened and alarmed by the prophecy of one of the Devoted, a group of ascetic mystics, and the presence of two Amhuru, descendants of a righteous priest who fought against the cruel and unjust kings of the past. The prince Kaden - a reluctant heir of the king - is ordered to quash all possibility of rebellion and to instill fear and terror in the Five Cities under Barra-Dohn's regime. The prince's discoveries beyond Barra-Dohn's walls and the purpose of the Amhuru's presence are revealed to be part of a much larger struggle over proper worship and faith; secular and religious domains; family, descendants, and inheritance; and the nature of divine right. Readers will likely be reminded of biblical stories and Greek tragedies, but rather than presenting absolute moral stances, Graham effectively fleshes out the motivations, obligations, and characters of those involved. This is a highly entertaining as well as thoughtful contribution to Christian fantasy. (Aug.)