Readers are in for a great escape when they pick up a copy of “Across the Face of the World.” This sweeping epic, the first in a trilogy, was originally published in Australia. The plot is familiar: a young man undertakes a dangerous quest that will decide the fate of his world. What sets it apart is the author’s superior world-building and map-making skills. Russell Kirkpatrick has a PhD in Geography and is a professional cartographer. He brings these skills to his writing, creating a detailed world and providing maps.
Thousands of years ago, the immortal Destroyer, Lord of Bhrudwo, was banished from the legendary paradise, Dona Mihst, by the Most High. Since then, he has been plotting revenge on him and gathering a large army. The people of Faltha think it is a myth. A man knows the truth. Mahnum, a captive in the Destroyer’s prison, escapes and returns to his home in a remote village in the Kingdom of Faltha. His wife, Indrett, and his two sons, Leith and Hal, have not seen him in over two years. He tells them of the upcoming invasion and that they must go and warn the king. But the Destroyer sends warriors in search of Mahnum. They kidnap him and his wife, leaving their children for dead. But the brothers survive and set off with a small group of villagers to free their parents and deliver the warning. The goals seem impossible for a small group of misfits, but prophecy predicts the arrival of the Right Hand of the Most High. He is the one who will defeat the Destroyer. All signs seem to point to Leith, but he just wants to find his parents and get back to a normal life.
This book is different from most fantasy sagas because much of the story takes place in the real world and not the magical one. The pace is somewhat slower as well. A lot of time is spent developing the characters and describing the scenery. While I enjoyed most of the word painting, I found myself skimming through some of the longer passages. The action scenes were well done, but they were few and far between. Despite the lack of action, I was engrossed in the story and recommend it for those who enjoy reading about a detailed world. Kirkpatrick has set the stage and I’m looking forward to reading book 2 and finding out what happens to the heroic travelers on their journey.
Publisher: Orbit (January 1, 2008)
ISBN: 978-1-84149-463-0
Pages: 736
Price: $7.99)