The Sworn: The Fallen Kings Cycle, Book 1

Martin's launch of a new series in the world of her Chronicles of the Necromancer books (The Summoner, etc.) is fun and accessible, if hardly groundbreaking. Against a background of plague and famine, the cult of the ancient goddess Shanthadura has started sacrificing vyrkin (werewolves) and vayash moru (vampires). King Tris, a necromancer, seeks help from a mystical tribe of nomads known as the Sworn, as well as the ancient long-hidden race called the Dread. Fans of the previous books will be happy to see plenty of familiar characters, and two new ones steal the spotlight: Aidane, a "ghost whore" who lets herself be possessed by spirits, and Tris's cousin Jair, a prince in love with a Sworn shaman. There's little plotwise that will surprise fantasy veterans, but it's a solidly told story and very friendly to new readers. (Feb.)