Saturday, July 2, 2011

The Key to Creation-Kevin J. Anderson

The Key to Creation
Kevin J. Anderson
Orbit, Jul 20 2011, $15.99
ISBN: 9780316004237

The Uraba and Tierra continue their war with both sides committing atrocities as the religious righteous led respectively by Soldan-Shah Omra and Queen Anjine demand fanatic obedience and the destruction of the enemy. While the hostilities and horrors mount, each country sends forth intrepid explorers sailing at The Edge of the World to the uncharted third continent Terravitae in search of the Key to Creation.

The religious leaders from both nations agree that the possessor of the mythical key will win the combat while the loser becomes extinct. Neither side stops for a moment to analyze what they are doing to themselves and their adversary, nor realize that the Saedrans manipulate each of them to achieve their BHAG completion of the Map of All Things signifying God’s return.

With a nod to the Jewel of the Nile, The key to Creation is an action-packed sword and sorcery quest fantasy. The story line is loaded with action, but never quite gels into a cohesive plot as the scenes jump around between the war and the search until late in the game. Still readers will enjoy the final thriller in the Terra Incognito saga especially as Saan and Criston (and fans) learn the key to life while exploring Terravitae.

Harriet Klausner

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