WAYMAKER

A man linked to cryptic prophecies embarks on a harrowing quest in Warden’s fantasy sequel.

Was it fate that Gideon Dawning, formerly of Texas, wound up in the otherworldly Inherited Lands? Some believe he’ll be the deciding factor in the inevitable war between two Languages of Power, the Dei’lo and the much darker Sa’lei. He may even be the Waymaker, whom the prophecies name but whose ultimate purpose they don’t clarify. For now, Gideon has sided with those who champion Dei’lo, the power of life and creation. He’s on a quest with allies Aybel Boldrun and Revel Foundling to find the mysterious Pearl, a sentient orb that may have the power to avert the war, though he has trouble choosing which direction they should head. The ruling Council of Lords is dead set on thwarting this quest, which the Sa’lei-speaking Lord Stevron Achelli could easily handle by taking out the Waymaker. But when High Lord Balaam Asher-Baal specifically gives orders not to kill Gideon, Stevron instead shadows and observes him and the others. Still, if Stevron decides that Balaam’s “peculiarities” are affecting his judgment, then Stevron’s approach to his appointed task will surely turn lethal. Over in the land of Wordhaven, the recently recovered Book of Dei’lo, which unlocks the “teachings of the Pearl,” can strengthen all those who study it; now the group that’s been rebelling against the Council will be able to form an army. All the while, the hunt for the Pearl continues—Stevron isn’t the only threat as Gideon, Aybel, and Revel face off against various creatures and desperately search for a means of escape when they end up captives.

Warden’s story picks up right after the events of Gideon’s Dawn (2008), dropping readers into the action and well-rooted dilemmas. The spotlight shifts among members of the enthralling cast, most notably highlighting Stevron, who’s secretly become more adept in Sa’leit han his mentor Balaam, and Ajel Windrunner, who bravely steps into his new role as the rebels’ leader. Memorable scenes abound; the quest leads to Silence Sound, an area that’s entirely devoid of sound (which has its perks, since there’s no worry of enemies attacking with Word), as well as a fetid marsh that makes the journey “excruciatingly slow.” As in the preceding novel, much of what unfolds, especially in relation to the prophecies, is steeped in mystery. Gideon has no choice but to rely on pure instinct as he leads the quest. (“How am I supposed to know which way we should go, Telus?”) The author packs details into the narrative while skillfully keeping the steady influx of characters, places, and motivations clear and organized. Warden makes room for bountiful descriptions of the magical Inherited Lands: “Before him, a dark narrow corridor of weathered stone, damp and crumbling, faded into the shadows toward the east. Above him sprawled a massive stronghold, ancient and lifeless, that clung to the southern end of an island in the Eastern Sea.” Copious amounts of “Worded power” are on display throughout the novel, and the final act more than hints at where the sequels will go.

Another wholly absorbing installment in this ongoing magic-laden series.