A Demon in Silver

Launching the War of the Archons epic fantasy series, Ford establishes an engrossing world on the brink of a new era, but the story is sometimes confusing and tedious. Magic abruptly disappeared from the land in an event called the Fall, leading to escalations and shifts in ongoing wars as well as the development of various superstitions and gruesome rituals. Over 100 years later, humble farmer Livia Harrow develops sudden, uncontrollable magical powers. She is ripped from her comfortable life and thrust into a world in which mercenaries, political operatives, and blood cults all want to capture her for their own ends. Meanwhile, long-exiled and inscrutable ancient gods called Archons make plans of their own. Readers learn more about the world as each new character is introduced, but the connections between their stories remain nebulous for long stretches as Ford jumps around among eras and places. Shopworn archetypes (particularly Livia, a sweet and pretty nonentity who gets passed around like a football by other characters) further mar this otherwise promising tale, giving readers little reason to wait for volume two. Agent: John Jarrold, John Jarrold Literary (U.K.). (June)