Before I accidentally shy away a potential reader, let me say that this is an outstanding story.
I must have read the first page 5 or 6 times as I had many false-starts reading this book. I think I've had it for a couple months and even getting through the first handful of pages was a slow process. Once Trajan enters the story, the pages fly and consumption becomes a treat and welcomed task.
O'Donnell packs a lot in each paragraph, so skimming is not recommended. He deftly creates scenery, characters, and thought-provoking themes: Religion, Superstition, Technology, Servitude, Nature.
It begins as a fantasy epic, with Medieval-era dwellings, tribute to fiefdom; iconic, mystic nobility, and loyal subjects. There is a civilization, Gods, and the Wild. Security is created; fear the best motivation.
>>>The remaining delves a bit beyond the general synopsis and will either contain spoilers or spoil the surprise of the overall book. <<<
>>>Proceed with caution<<<
American Adams, or Meric is a loyal subject itching to prove his worth with sword and skills at the next Calling. He wishes to be the best Legionnaire in this generation of Panchaea. Swan, his love interest, is called to serve in the clouds above by the Plutarchs, the mystic, ruling class.
All of Panchaea knows that safety is within the fog. To venture out into the Wild is too dangerous as sun-crazed fighters, beasts, demons and the like are lurking, waiting to seize or kill. The fog - this blanket - is costly. Readers learn that the fog is actually billions of microscopic machines that only the Plutarchs can control. So, who or what are these privileged few?
They are nothing more than decedents of a technologically advanced 'us'. They have implants which provide the ability to communicate with the micro-bots to create and destroy nearly anything that is built with the tech. Thus, although it starts out Fantasy, it moves and remains in Sci-Fi (which is why I started plowing through the rest of the book).
Meric turns out to be a dormant Plutarch and becomes the catalyst to gain allies and wage war against the false-gods. Main characters die. This isn't a red-bow ending.
This book should make you think about the future, superstition, and the bonds between living beings on Earth.
The back half of the book has a few minor errors (wrong words in sentences). Other than that - well done! 5 of 5 Stars - ARC provided.
From the Publisher:
In the city of Panchaea, society’s elite are given godlike powers by a “fog” of microscopic machines. Instead of using the Fog to benefit mankind, however, the Plutarchs only reinforce their own positions. The Plebians under their rule, ignorant of the Fog’s true nature, are bred to believe in the Divinity of their masters … until the most loyal Plebian of all undergoes a life-changing journey, which not only opens his eyes but gives him the one tool necessary to fight back.
