EM Markoff’s dark fantasy The Deadbringer is a journey novel, but the twists are such that you can’t be certain the destination won’t change. Almost nothing goes to plan for the heroes or the villains, and the route deviations allow the reader to tour a well-thought out world. The slow, pre-Industrial rate of travel allows time to absorb each area, and details often blossom into later plot points.
A number of races, some with unusual abilities and bodies, populate this world. And while the cast is small—which I liked, because I was able to keep track of them amid the involved plot and world-building—the characters are diverse, both in appearance and worldview.
I found this a fascinating story, and am looking forward to the sequel, which is due out this year.
Check it out: Elderet.com
Ken Hueler 