DEMIURGE

by Krk Patterson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 15, 2023

In Patterson’s fantasy novel, a mystical relic throws a peaceful city and its surrounding lands into upheaval.

Haot-fote is an artisan in the city of Drudunda, a haven founded by people tired of the merciless Red War. Haot-fote is a man of peace and doesn’t fight back when men grab him and pull a burlap sack over his head. They’ve mistaken him for a mage and are certain he’ll know what to do with a “draped object” they’ve discovered. An unexpected animal attack ends in Haot-fote’s escape. He also gets his hands on that object and finds an ally in Terina Torinaous. She’s an assassin and an actual mage who’s wary of using her abilities; spellcasting requires accessing another realm, where an entity of some kind has possessed her. Terina needs help with this situation and seeks aid from Drudunda’s matriarch—Haot-fote’s grandmother. It’s not long before the two learn that the draped object heals wounds, even seemingly fatal ones. When marauders storm Drudunda, Haot-fote’s grandmother sends him away with the relic. He fights to safeguard it from greedy hands and searches for the “originator,” who surely has all the necessary information about this mysterious object. Luckily, he’s got Terina on his side, along with his archer niece, Harps. All the while, soldiers and mages from various cities seek the relic, as well as its “partner,” which has a much darker power. This group includes Drudunda’s guard captain, Firleggs. He and his cousin Haot-fote, both orphaned and raised by their grandmother, are like brothers…but that may not stop Firleggs from leading the charge against his own kin.

Patterson’s deliberately paced novel spotlights a terrific cast and fantasy world. Haot-fote displays impressive skills as an artisan: He carves impeccable designs onto arrows, which are gifted to youngsters as a “significant mark of adulthood.” He and Terina have fascinating societal roles, too; Drudundian males are, unlike Haot-fote, traditionally hunters, while Terina seems to be the first and only female mage. The story introduces quite a number of characters, most of whom showcase distinctive personalities, from the soldiers in Firleggs’ army to a seemingly minor character who becomes integral much later in the novel. Plenty of surprises pop up along the way, including deaths and near deaths, an ostensibly accommodating group of cannibals, and a glimpse of that gloomy realm that mages tap into. Compelling conflicts arise, both externally (clashes between armies) and internally (Harps, though she carries a bow and arrows, wants to live peacefully like her uncle). Some of the more grounded, relatable touches stand out just as much; Haot-fote’s grandmother, who’s also an artisan, used to carve vegetables to resemble other foods that the young boy would actually eat. The author’s unadorned prose delivers concise, vibrant dialogue and narrative details: “The figures in the trees began to reveal themselves, first one, then another. Many more lifted their bodies to outline the horizon. Black stripes and skin painted bright red caught in the morning sun.” Despite a wholly gratifying final act, the ending strongly hints at a sequel to follow.

A full-bodied cast enriches this measured but enthralling tale of resolve and mysterious power.

Pub Date: Nov. 15, 2023

ISBN: 9781959147015

Page Count: 428

Publisher: Double Negative Publishing

Review Posted Online: April 7, 2026

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

FANTASY | EPIC FANTASY | ACTION & ADVENTURE FANTASY