BRIDGE OF THE GODS

In Wimber’s fantasy novel, immortal brothers battle a host of enemies and each other.

Sahale, the creator of all things, gives his sons, Wyeast and Pathoe, land that they split for their respective tribes; the “Bridge of the Gods” connects the lands, divided by what will one day be known as the Columbia River in the United States. The area is already populated by hulking daemons, which the brothers’ tribes join forces to vanquish. Sadly, Wyeast and Pathoe soon turn against one another when they both fall for the same woman, Loowit. The book’s second section begins after much time has passed and the brothers once again face a common foe: Massive Thunderbirds threaten to wipe out both tribes unless Wyeast and Pathoe can put their differences aside and fight as one. In the final sequence, white settlers arrive on the land that they call America, and the brothers take part in U.S. wars all through the 19th century. The author’s pithy writing delivers readers an epic tale in compact form. She deftly constructs her narrative (which is based on an Indigenous myth) to provide glimpses into America’s tumultuous growth. The female characters are impeccably well drawn, especially the skilled archer/warrior/healer, Tacoma. By sharp contrast, the brothers’ perpetual squabbling wears thin (the pair are frequently scolded like children). Nevertheless, their story cleverly parallels the book’s historical arc—they sympathize with the Indigenous peoples, but, like the U.S. government, they seize land that isn’t theirs. Contemporary-sounding dialogue throughout helps maintain the brisk pace, although it’s sometimes jarring, as when Tacoma audaciously tells Wyeast, “There is no one else here who is willing to try and pull your head out of your ass.” While each of the three stories contained here concludes satisfactorily, another tale or three about these immortals would be welcome.

An enthralling, densely packed, historically rich tale.