Doppelganger is the debut novel of a promising new fantasy writer, Marie Brennan.
It is on a par with the work of many veteran authors, and she should only get better. If
so, you can look forward to great things from this young lady.
The story begins with a Hunter named Mirage. In her world, travel is by horseback or
horse-drawn carriage. Technology is scarce, but magic is plentiful. Mirage has the same
red hair as a witch, but she is not one. She is a Hunter, a graduate of the Silverfire
school, which taught her all her combat skills. She is one of the best. It had been a while
since Mirage had a commission and she had gotten bored. Therefore, when fellow Silverfire
grad and year-mate, Eclipse, appeared with a two-person commission, Mirage was thrilled,
until she found out their employers were witches. She wanted no part of witches, but she
had read the commission after she had broken the seal, so she was committed.
Meanwhile, at Starfall, Miryo was completing her studies to become a witch. She was born
a witch, but first she had to finish learning all the spells and pass the test that gave
her the ability to pull power. She was afraid of failure.
When she finally passed her tests, she was forbidden to use her powers. For when a witch
is born, a double is created. Unless the doppelganger is killed, the witch cannot control
her powers. She will eventually die when she accidentally draws power and it gets out of
control. Miryo's doppelganger was still alive. Miryo was the only one who could kill her.
Would she?
If you love fantasy, this is a book for you. You won't be willing to put it down. Pick
up a copy and enjoy.