“All that is new is dependent on that which came before it.” This is a long standing tenet within the Caste, and with good reason. If the past can be erased, it can easily be rewritten or manipulated. The abiding authorities struggle to preserve a history that was largely destroyed by those bent on seizing control. Rigid adherence to dogma, intense physical and mental training, and scrupulous obedience are the keys to maintaining order. But nothing is that straightforward in a world where darkness and light are locked in an eternal battle. In this convoluted tale of treachery, terror, treason and tough choices, no single protagonist takes the reins. Rather, the heterogenous cast includes a courageous scout forced into impossible situations, a clever old man with more than a few tricks left, a droll magical investigator, a merciless force of evil, and a young man fighting against the destiny seemingly chosen for him. Not for the faint of heart, this vast saga will challenge readers with countless types of beings, unique customs, special talents, unfamiliar names, and imaginative locations.
Allegory and fantasy fuse soundly together in The Guardian of the Ward, written by Reginald Lewis. There are so many astute modern parallels that if we lived in a world where magic ruled the night, the pages would read like contemporary headlines instead of fictitious battles. Elaborate action sequences pair mysterious spells with intense combat in a dizzying duet that is sure to please. Elegant and gruesome, the main characters all have to cling to their principles with bloody fingernails if they hope to succeed in their individual challenges and conquests. In this strange world where monsters of all sorts roam the hillsides, Gildhar, a character with a short attention span and an especially sharp mind, is as relatable as they come. Not one to mindlessly obey, he really gives this story the rough edge of humanity. Cleverly plotted and possessing much more backstory than a single volume should be able to handle, this book is evenly balanced with ancillary plotlines that come together to form a cohesive whole. With life or death prospects following every decision, The Guardian of the Ward is a deep-dive into uncharted fantasy waters.
