The Wayfarer Redemption
Book 1 of 6
By Sara Douglass
Tor Books - September 2001
ISBN: 0765341301 - Mass Market Paperback, Hardcover
Fantasy - E: Violence

Reviewed by Jo Rogers, MyShelf.Com
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Originally titled BATTLEAXE, this is the first of six volumes in THE WAYFARER REDEMPTION series. It is a long book, over 700 pages, but there is not one superfluous word in it.

This is the story of a young man named Axis, the commander, or Battleaxe, of the military wing of the Brotherhood of the Seneschal, leaders of the prevailing church of the country of Achar, the Way of the Plough. He is also the illegitimate son of Princess Rivkah, sister of King Priam.

It is also the story of Faraday, betrothed of Borneheld, Duke of Ichtar and legitimate son of Rivkah. Since Priam and his queen, Judith, are childless, Borneheld is heir to Achar's throne. He and Axis hate each other, and both want Faraday.

The Seneschal controls all thought in Achar. According to them, forests are evil and dangerous and must be cut down. All races besides the human race are called the Forbidden and are not tolerated in Achar. They have magical powers and are considered evil.

But a greater evil threatens Achar, indeed all the races of Achar. Skraelings, wraith-like creatures that feed on fear and blood, are attacking patrols around GorkenFort, the northernmost fort in Ichtar. They are the army of a creature called Gorgrael, the evil sorcerer foretold in the Prophecy. But Achar will have a champion to unite all the races of ancient Tencendor, if he can overcome the lies he has been told in time. However, the Prophecy doesn't name him.

THE WAYFARER REDEMPTION pulls you in with the first words, and never relinquishes its hold. It is a story of love, hate, betrayal, murder and magic. The cliffhanger ending leaves you wanting more. Though I knew at the beginning there were five more volumes, I find myself unable to stop until I finish the entire story!