Readers are in for a great escape when they pick up a copy of "Across the Face of the World." This sweeping epic, the first of a trilogy, was originally published in Australia. The plot is familiar - a young man sets out on a dangerous quest that will decide the fate of his world. What sets it apart is the author's superior world building and mapmaking skills. Russell Kirkpatrick has a PhD in Geography and he's a professional mapmaker. He brings these skills to his writing, creating a detailed world and providing maps.
Thousands of years ago the immortal Destroyer, Lord of Bhrudwo, was cast out of the fabled paradise Dona Mihst, by the Most High. Since that time he's been plotting his revenge and amassing a huge army. The people of Faltha think he's a myth. One man knows the truth. Mahnum, a captive in the Destroyer's prison, escapes and returns home to a remote village in the Kingdom of Faltha. His wife, Indrett and his two sons, Leith and Hal haven't seen him for over two years. He tells them of the coming invasion and that they must leave and warn the king. But the Destroyer sends warriors in pursuit of Mahnum. They kidnap him and his wife, leaving his sons for dead. But the brothers survive and they set off with a small group of villagers to free their parents and deliver the warning. The goals seem hopeless for a small band of misfits but prophecy foretells the coming of the Right Hand of the Most High. He is the one who will defeat the Destroyer. All signs seem to point to Leith, but he only wants to find his parents and return to a normal life.
This book is different than most fantasy sagas because much of the story takes place in the real world rather than the magical. The pace is somewhat slower as well. A lot of time is spent on developing the characters and describing the landscape. While I enjoyed most of the word painting, I did find myself skimming some of the longer passages. The action scenes were well done but were few and far between. Despite the lack of action I did become engrossed in the story and I recommend it for those who enjoy reading about a detailed world. Kirkpatrick has set the scene and I'm looking forward to book 2 and finding out what happens to the heroic travelers on their journey.
Publisher: Orbit (January 1, 2008)
ISBN: 978-1-84149-463-0
Pages: 736
Price: $7.99)
Gail Pruszkowski reviews for "Romantic Times BOOKreviews" magazine and her work has been published in the "Cup of Comfort" Anthologies.
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