Fate of the Fallen

Kade (the King’s Dark Tidings series) gleefully defies expectations in the disarmingly amusing, if somewhat meandering, first novel in the Shroud of Prophecy series. Growing up in the tiny village of Goldenwood, the charming and clever Mathias and his best friend, Aaslo, an introverted forester, have become brothers in all but blood. When a high sorceress reveals that Mathias is the chosen one, fated to save the world from darkness, Aaslo agrees to serve as Mathias’s sidekick, until a surprise attack leaves Aaslo alone. Aaslo must learn to be a hero himself, making allies with men and gods alike in order to fulfil Mathias’s destiny. Kade’s arch humor, clever trope subversion, and skillfully drawn characters keep the story moving along, even if the plot tends to wander aimlessly. Despite the uneven pacing, Kade’s exciting disregard for convention makes for a world where everything is possible and no one is safe. This is a series to watch. Agent: Paul Stevens, Donald Maass Literary Agency. (Nov.)