Godslayer - Jacqueline Carey

Sequel to the Banewreaker.

ISBN: 978-0765350985
format: Paperback
pages: 416
publisher: Tor Fantasy
pub. date: 2006-06-27
started reading: 2009-03-28
finished reading: 2009-03-29

This concludes Carey's short forary into a Tolkien-esque work. More so than even the first book, the too obvious elements from The Lord Of The Rings becomes almost burdensome at times and I found myself skim reading sections with the thought of 'Oh yes... and this is where Frodo... er... Dani... must made a decision and... '. It is sad that a writer as gifted as Carey couldn't develop more originality in this story.

However, unlike Tolkien's work which was designed to be strictly a strugle of good vs. evil, Carey retells the classic battle... but from a multitude of shades of grey. The reader is drawn into understanding that the 'bad' people in the story were made that way as much by the choices of those who would profess to be good, as by their own hand.

Carey also begins to explore the idea that the counterbalance is needed in the world and that for all things to flow in order, with no chaos, is to lead to stagnation and eventually... death. It is the battle of wills, the cycle and flow of death and rebirth, that gives life its meaning.

So... if you're looking for a deep and unique tale... I would advise you look elsewhere. If you are looking for a well written retelling of a set of archtypes that adds more depth to the classic versions, this is a good read for you.