The more I read Karen Miller's work the more I think she is the next Tolkien. Each culture she creates she delves into so deeply. Especially beginning the second book in this trilogy you get a sense of the range and depth this writer goes to in creating a unique and unforgettable culture/characters. Also she is one of the rare authors that imposes upon the reader, making them emotionally involved as characters evolve. You will feel happiness, satisfaction, fear, sadness and even guilt at liking the characters in this book. If you have never read Karen Miller before be forewarned that this first novel in the Godspeaker trilogy is darker than her previous works, if it unnerves you or disturbs you at first it's only setting the playing field.