cover image The Shattered Sun

The Shattered Sun

Rachel Dunne. Harper Voyager, $16.99 trade paper (496p) ISBN 978-0-06-242819-6

The Bound Gods trilogy concludes (following The Bones of the Earth) with the rise of evil Twin Gods in a now permanently dark world following their destruction of the sun. Following the Twins’ rise, the protagonists retreat underground to regain their strength. Keiro, once a nobody, now acts on the Twins’ behalf, but he must prove to their followers that he is worthy. Former priest Jorros, mages Anddyr and Aro, and warrior Rora lost a battle against the Twins, and many of Rora’s fellow warriors were killed. They return to Rora’s pack and are punished for the loss of lives in the battle. Priestess Vatri and swordsman Scal are building a following to fight the Twins, with Scal becoming known as the Nightbreaker now that the original gods, known as the Parents, have blessed him with a sword of fire and ice. Although the story is often bogged down with unnecessary detail and distracting subplots, series fans will be rewarded by the powerful conclusion. Agent: Matt Bialer, Donald Maass Literary. (Dec.)