Victoria Strauss, The Awakened City

The Awakened City

Victoria Strauss

Eos, Mar 2006, $25.95

ISBN: 038097892X

In Galea, the Empire of Arsace has begun to throw off the oppression of centuries and regain what was lost, especially the First Temple of the Gods in Ninyaser. The Brethen, refusing to lose what they have held for centuries, attack the city of wizards Refuge beyond the Burning Lands. War is imminent on both the mundane and mystical levels.

Ravar wants to be acclaimed the Next Messenger to the sleeping powerful deity Arata, though he knows he is a false messenger. His plan is to cleverly use the assault on Refuge, the upcoming war, and most critically, the seer Axane to further his ambitions. He travels to Baushpar and abducts Axane. However, Ravar fails to take into account one important factor, Axane's loving husband Gyalo who cherishes his spouse. Gyalo risks his life to rescue his beloved, but his journey proves frighteningly enlightening, as he begins to believe he is the true Next Messenger, a job he does not want.

With religious intolerance geometrically on the upswing around the world, including the United States, THE AWAKENED CITY is a timely cautionary tale that focuses on the impact of societies by de facto and de jure religious oppression. Readers see first hand what occurs when narrow-mindedness is the norm through the changing viewpoints of predominantly the two candidates for the Next Messenger position. The storyline is action-packed, but ensures the key cast members are complete individuals so that the audience can understand their motives. Though better to have read the previous novel THE BURNING LAND, this invigorating tale can stand alone in its fervent plea for forbearance of one anothers beliefs.