Sunset Mantle

After a slow and formal start, Reiss's debut novel handily constructs the etiquette and political structure of an intriguing fantasy world. When exiled soldier Cete enters the frontier of Reach Antach, knowing that there are forces plotting its demise, the first thing he sees is a beautiful mantle in the colors of the sunset, made by a blind woman. He's determined to move on and not become involved, but he's captivated by the mantle and the woman who wove it. Soon he finds himself a game piece in other cities' attempts to bring down the Reach, and his desire to see it survive becomes intertwined with self-preservation. Seeing this large-scale story through the lens of one town and one man does have its drawbacks, as Cete's glances at the side characters give them a flatness that borders on stereotype. The mantle of the title also loses its significance more quickly than expected, as Cete develops other motivations to stay. (Sept.)