Read in September, 2012 — I own a copyI know I've really enjoyed reading a book when I feel that pang of regret as I approach the last page - the realisation that my time with some newly found friends is about to come to an end. This is probably why I found reading the glossary, after I had finished the book, to be a lovely reminisce of the characters' long journey across this intriguing landscape. It brought back to me some of the extraordinary details earlier on in the book.
Don't let the fact that this book has a glossary deter you from reading it, because I found that the context, along with some introductions and explanations given on the run, generally gave me a fairly good idea of the names of the races of people, the capital cities, the rulers, and the local thugs.
I must admit, early in the book I found myself thinking, "if this Tev character is immortal - why don't we see him being killed and coming back to life again", like we might have seen by the second page of your typical action novel? But then think about the title - he's done all that -and this is his final journey toward understanding exactly what he is, and why he is the way he is. Having said that - there's no shortage of action in this book, and it was really dumb of me to have a preconceived notion of this poor guy being constantly killed and coming back to life!
I found myself wanting, hoping that Ms Bresnick found a way to write a sequel (even a prequel), so that I could re- kindle some of the friendships made in this tome... and then I found Seovann's Choice. I even avidly consumed a short story written in a similar-feeling world, called 'The Earth Stepper's Bargain' - still trying to scratch that itch.
So, a plea to Ms Bresnick; It can't be that hard to find another source of action, waiting to sweep across the intricate, rich tapestry that was established in this novel, can it? But then... Ms Bresnick does not appear to be one for taking the easy road.
Gary Williams
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