"Superb fantasy"

Long ago the world of Urulat was created by the Seven Shapers who made the races in their own images. The eldest brother Haomane did not like what his brother Satoris did with his creation, giving them free will, the ability to think for themselves and the urge to strive so they won't become stagnant and complacent. He ordered his sibling to withdraw his gift and when he refused the Shapers went to war Sundering the world as a by product of battle.

Haomane and his siblings live together not seen by their creations while Satoris walks the earth and lives in the fortress he created, the underground realm of Darkhaven. Satoris's ally, the one thousand year old immortal Supreme Commander Lord Tanaros kidnaps the ellyon (elven) Princess Cerelinde and takes her back to Darkhaven. This stops Haomane's prophecy from being fulfilled which would end in Satoris' death. He could permanently destroy any chance of the prophecy being fulfilled by killing the princess but that is something he refuses to do. As Haomane's allies make ready for war Satoris decides that his allies will also fight rather than endure a siege in Darkhaven. Both sides know that whoever wins, the undoing of the Sundering will take place.

There are many different sentient species in the world of Urulat and with the Sundering, each race wars against the other just as the Shapers do. Haomane is never seen and uses lies and misdirection to paint his brother as the enemy that must be destroyed. Satoris who was not responsible for the Sundering is an enigmatic and mysterious being who got cast in the role of villain due to his brother's deception. There is a cast of hundreds and it takes careful reading to figure who is the ally of what Shaper. The Godslayer storyline is about the races getting ready for war and Jacqueline Carey demonstrates her talent as fantasist by making the plot exciting and memorable.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 12, 2005