The Silver Lake

In this bold first of a new fantasy series from Canadian Patton (The Golden Sword, etc.), six gods, who originated from spirits that mated with humans and who can take corporeal form at will, rule the magical city of Anavatan, which sits next to the brilliant silver lake of Gol-Beyaz. During the chaotic rite known as Havoc's Dance, two small boys, Brax and Spar, are drawn to Estavia, the powerful red-eyed god of battle. Opposing them is another boy, Graize, who sides with the still-growing Incasa, the god of prophecy. Court intrigues enrich the story, as do many made-up words that lend color but whose meanings readers must figure out in context. The smashing climax neatly sets up events for volume two.