A Fantasy World Filled With Danger and Sensory Experiences
The very first sentence is powerful and applicable to anyone, anywhere: “[she] wished she didn’t hate her enemies with such fervor, for it gave them power over her.” And after that thought provoking opener, a reader’s interest will be piques by the character’s identification as a gutter child. Protagonist Aiz bet-Dafra (of the Dafra slum) sounds like a character ripped from devastating news headlines. Aiz walks past burned children’s quarters where the screams of children who died there haunt her thoughts and awaken the ache of her own burn scars.
Interestingly, this society is one with a female guiding power. Exactly who Mother Div is remains a mystery in the early pages, but this helps to create that page-turning quality that readers want in well told fantasy tales. Other intriguing aspects are the lack of sufficient food in the community, the desirable position of pilot, and the magical powers which some possess. Surprisingly, there is also an early reference to the many bed partners of Aiz. Who is this character and what kind of a society is this? There are barbarians but also delicate almond cookies, liquid metal masks and hot spiced cider. The contrasting elements will pique any fantasy fan’s interest.
Interestingly, this society is one with a female guiding power. Exactly who Mother Div is remains a mystery in the early pages, but this helps to create that page-turning quality that readers want in well told fantasy tales. Other intriguing aspects are the lack of sufficient food in the community, the desirable position of pilot, and the magical powers which some possess. Surprisingly, there is also an early reference to the many bed partners of Aiz. Who is this character and what kind of a society is this? There are barbarians but also delicate almond cookies, liquid metal masks and hot spiced cider. The contrasting elements will pique any fantasy fan’s interest.