Carol Berg, Flesh and Spirit

Flesh and Spirit

Carol Berg

Roc, May 2007, $15.00

ISBN 045146088X

In Navronne, twelve years ago, then fifteen-year-old Valen was abandoned by his companion Boreas to die (as predicted by the teen's mother). Instead he survived somewhat due to his "doulon sickness" addiction, but vanished from his family of pureblood sorcerers renowned for their mapmaking foretelling skills. Before he was left to die he took with him his grandfather's most sacred tome, Maps of the Known World, that many believe can guide the right mage to the realm of angels if the key can be found to unlock its secrets.

Valen lives in concealment amidst the Gillarine Abbey monks, who gave him sanctuary because of the volume he stole from his family; they believe he will eventually interpret the book so they can use it to reach the angels' realm. However, as he struggles with his "doulon sickness" addiction, his family and others have found his haven; they are coming for Maps of the Known World.

FLESH AND SPIRIT is a terrific first entry in an apparent two book saga. This tale is a coming of age thriller as the beleaguered hero begins to understand what he possesses, the world converges on him. Everyone touched by magic, which means everyone, wants Valen to use him as their guide to the Angels or to kill him to take possession of the tome. Readers will appreciate this terrific opening gamut whose only flaw is waiting for the rest of the journey.

Harriet Klausner