Django Wexler, Memories of Empire

Memories of Empire

Medallion, Sept 2005, $14.99, 475 pp.

ISBN 1932815147

The Imperial Empire had become complacent and hedonistic so it wasn't very difficult for the Khaevs to conquer and occupy the Imperials. Far away in the desert, a caravan is attacked by Corvus dressed all in black who kills everyone except Veil and that was because she was hidden under a dead woman's body. Having been sold into slavery by her father, Veil has no place to go except with Corvus who grudgingly accepts her company.

Corvus is a man on a mission, an amnesiac who wants to find out who he is. The duo travels out of the desert to Corsa where he takes his sword to an expert to find out the providence. It belonged to a person also named Corvus two hundred years ago who was the First of the two Hundred best Khaev swordsmen. Veil and Corvus are of interest to the spirits Sybian and Saya who arrange mortals both Imperial and Khaev like chess pieces until they can exploit them.

It is hard to believe that this is Django Wexter's debut novel because it is as well written and character driven as a Terry Brooks or Robert Jordan novel. Veil humanizes Corvus through her force of her personality changing him from an obsessed individual be a man who cares about others. The Imperials and the Khaevs are reminiscent of the Romans. Sword and sorcery fans will find MEMORIES OF EMPIRE a very enjoyable one sitting reading experience.

Harriet Klausner