Warriors of God

The marvelously detailed second historical fantasy in Sapkowski’s Hussite Trilogy (after The Tower of Fools) probes the sad irony of peace-loving religious figures forced to turn warrior. In the 15th century, Reynevan of Bielawa, a physician, sorcerer, and recent convert to the Hussite heresy, continues to work for the Czech rebels against the vengeful Roman Catholic Church and its German and Silesian supporters. Chasing a rumor that he has a son by his missing noble love, Katarzyna of Biberstein, Reynevan heads home to Silesia despite numerous enemies and the unpunished murderer of his brother all waiting to torture or execute him. While spying for the Czechs, he also attempts to use sorcery to free his companion, Samson, a wandering spirit trapped in a hulking mortal body. Sapkowski again shows firm command of myriad places, skirmishes, and theological disputes, allowing the reader to be immersed in the turbulence of late medieval Europe. If Reynevan seems to be a bit more pushed around by the plot than pushing himself (“It’s the fifth time someone has seized me,” he observes at one point), he nevertheless keeps the reader wanting to find out how he escapes once more. Fans will be pleased to see the series going strong. Agent: Patricia Pasqualini, Patricia Pasqualini Literary. (Oct.)