The Window and the Mirror

This promising debut is set in a familiar fantasy world where intrigue abounds. In the war-torn land of Oesteria, the powerful Mages hold sway. The dictatorial Magistry, eager to expand its power, begins surveying the lesser-known lands of the peaceable Dawn Tribe. On one of these surveys, bloodthirsty Mage Imperator Ulhmet is attacked, and his soldiers are scattered. One, a young man named Joth, is captured and sent on a journey with a Dawn Tribe woman to seek peace between the nations. Meanwhile, Ulhmet tunnels through his prison and winds up among the Goblinkind, whose nefarious magic he hopes to use to his own benefit, even if that starts a war. Thomas is inventive when it comes to the possibilities and restrictions of magic, and the plot keeps moving even as various aspects of the setting are explored. However, the otherwise rich landscape is populated by stock characters; seasoned fantasy readers will be all too familiar with the likes of the power-hungry wizard, the well-meaning but somewhat bemused soldier, and the mysterious indigenous woman who communes with nature. There’s enough here to keep readers hoping for a less clichéd sequel. (Apr.)