Ravencaller

Dalglish broadens the scope of his Keepers series with this impressive, no-holds-barred high fantasy. The city of Londheim is in turmoil following the events of Soulkeeper as the goddess-worshipping humans struggle to adjust to dragon-sired monsters, creatures they believed to be blasphemous myth, awakening from 800 years of sleep. Militant dragon-sired factions launch attacks to reclaim their former city, and fearful, ignorant humans respond with violence toward all monsters, leaving little hope for those who seek peaceful coexistence, among them good-hearted warrior priest Devin; fierce former sex slave Jacaranda; onyx fairy Tesmarie; and adorable firekin Puffy. When an especially violent dragon-sired sect retakes the city’s poorest district, aided by poisonous mushrooms and human cultists, Devin, Jacaranda, and friends work to protect their home. Meanwhile, Devin’s sister, Adria, a religious leader, has developed the power to perform miracles. But the more wonders she enacts, the more her faith in the church waivers. Through myriad perspectives, Dalglish weaves a complex political web, raising moral questions about war, religion, and land rights and eschewing easy answers. The philosophical strains are tempered with plentiful action sequences and sweet romance, keeping the pace up and the pages turning. This smart epic fantasy promises more good things from the series to come. Agent: Michael Carr, Veritas Literary. (Mar)