An intriguing premise and terrific characterizations mark the beginning of a new
series by
author and Academy Award-nominated
screenwriter ( Gladiator and Shadowlands ), William Nicholson. While there''''s not a lot of action in this first volume, the intricate and detailed process of setting up this odd little world, encompassing mythologies drawn from several different cultures, and the rich characters within it is fascinating to read.
The most interesting characters are the secondary ones, especially Wildman. Hilariously childish, casually murderous, he gleefully calls out to his men and his victims alike, "Do you lo-o-ove me?" But it''''s more than love he seeks, though he himself doesn''''t know what it is.
This is one of those books that sneaks up on you a bit, having more of an impact a day or two after you finish it. The summary below only contains the main plot, but there are several subplots, each with its own appealingly fleshed-out characters, that wind their way through the book like vines and shoots that come twining together at the satisfying climax. The
author has hinted that there are big surprises to come in the next two volumes of the planned trilogy, including the nature of the god at the center of the story.
From The Book
The stranger made no move as he approached. His face showed nothing. How could a living being communicate so little? Surely this was a hollow man, his sliced veins would hiss stale air, he would fold like a paper bag --
The Wildman smiled and struck, so fast, the blade seemed not to move, so precisely that the fine-honed edge would draw blood but not kill, the blood of the tall white-haired stranger, who was -- Gone.
Plot Summary:
Seeker After Truth, like his older brother, Blaze of Justice, longs to join the Nomana, a priestly warrior cult that protects the one true god from the coming of the Assassin. But his father intends for him to follow in his own footsteps as a scholar.
When his brother is disgraced and cast out of the Nomana, Seeker leaves their island home to find him. Along the way he befriends Morning Star, a girl whose mother left her to become a Noma, and Wildman, a young pirate who wants the power and peace the Nomana offer. Together they travel to the city of Radiance, ruled by priests, where a new weapon is being prepared to destroy the Nomana -- and their godParents need to know that, aside from a few fights, there''''s not much to be concerned with here, even though it is aimed at older kids. There is a human sacrifice and some brutal fighting. Among other themes, the book espouses a proactive view of commitment to friendship, even with those with whom one has little in common, that is as refreshing as it is unusual.
Families who read this book together could discuss the central theme of faith. How are the inhabitants of Radiance so completely convinced of their faith? How do the priests and king use this faith? Why do the people react the way they do when it is shattered? How is it different from the faith of the Nomana?
Families may also want to talk about the book
series. What is fun about them? Why would publishers be interested in printing them? If you were an author, what would be the appeal of writing a series -- and what would be the challenges?