GIFT OF THE SHAPER

In this debut fantasy, humans and other beings try to prevent the release of an imprisoned god who could destroy the world.

Young blacksmith Thornton Woods works with his father, Olson, in the village of Highglade. While traveling to the town of Lusk, Thornton and his friend (and possible romantic interest) Miera Mi’An face a trio of assailants. There’s another attack on the way home, but this time, the two receive assistance from Kethras and his sister, Ynara, who are Kienari—stealthy, catlike creatures. The attackers are Khyth, capable of Breaking, which consists of manipulating energy. They’ve unmistakably targeted Miera, and the others cannot prevent her eventual capture. As Ynara goes after Miera, Thornton and Kethras track the now-missing Olson and his apparent abductors. It’s soon evident the Khyth are determined to liberate the Breaker, a world creator imprisoned in the enigmatic Otherworld. Thornton and the others hope to stop the Khyth, as the Breaker’s release would be catastrophic, and fortunately, they’re not alone in their fight. The Khyth’s mortal enemies are the Athrani, who received the gift of Shaping from the Shaper of Ages, one of the goddesses who chained the Breaker in the Otherworld. Jennings writes in a plain language that benefits his epic series opener. For example, atypical fantasy creatures, like the Kienari or the Gwarái, a beast that feeds on the blood of Shapers, are well defined. And notwithstanding the plethora of characters, motivations are distinct and consistent (for example, the Khyth are fixated on freeing the Breaker). The drawback to the story’s hefty cast is the ever shifting narrative perspectives. There is no discernible protagonist, as every character’s role, including Thornton’s and Miera’s, seems to be a supporting one. Regardless, the steady action entails an exhilarating battle, a glimpse of the Otherworld, and a clear setup for the sequel.

An exceptional series opener with memorable characters and simple but enticing worldbuilding.