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To be effective, fantasy and
science fiction novels require an inordinate amount of attention to
detail and, in particular, world building. But, at the same time, the
best authors in the field find a way to propel the story forward
without becoming bogged down in minutia. Dowell spends the first fourth
of his hefty 476-page tome weaving a rich tapestry of life and back
story for a half dozen characters and the world they inhabit, while
teasing what’s to come.
Events begin fascinatingly enough with six individuals who are
seemingly chosen at random in what is essentially a role-playing game
in novel form. A mysterious being known as the Creator informs them
that each will be given a realm from which they will choose a champion.
Dowell alternates chapters among each of the six, exploring their
realms and eventual picks for the games. When all is said and done,
elves, dwarves, goblins, monks, and warriors are among the races
represented, though their ultimate prize upon winning the games remains
shrouded in mystery. In fact, aside from an idol won by Brindel’s
champion, the ultimate goal of the games is never fully disclosed. The
first in a series, the novel is left open-ended with the promise of
more adventures to come.
Unlike Tolkien, where the object of the quest is made known early on,
here the goal of the quest, or games, isn’t so clear. The stakes of the
novel, therefore, suffer somewhat. Fortunately, Dowell writes with
confidence and skill to craft edge-of-your-seat adventures–from battles
with insectoid creatures, flying reptiles, and more. Fans of fantasy
and pulp adventures, as well as role-playing gamers, will therefore
find plenty to like about the novel and its worlds.