Review: Rich world building and complex mythology makes enjoyable read
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 19, 2011
"First Chosen" is a complex story, multi-layered and containing a rich mythology and large amount of world building.  I was impressed with the word that Gallowglas has apparently put into creating not only his world, but its various cultures, mythologies, religions and even languages.  The rich interactions of his characters fill the story with a sense that you know these people and you grow to care very much what happens to them.I can't really explain the plot too well without spoiling some of the story.  It revolves around a young woman named Juliana Taraen, a duchess of the Komati.  The Komati have been taken over by the Kingdom of the Sun and their religions and mythologies ruthlessly suppressed.  As a result, the worship of the Komati deities has gone underground with the creation of secret societies.  The most powerful of them are the Morghanti - followers of Grandfather Shadow - and the Brothers of the Night, who follow Old Uncle Night, the god of death.  Juliana's soul was tampered with at birth by a Saent of Grandfather Shadow, who put into her his own pure faith so that she would be able to release Grandfather Shadow from his 1000-year imprisonment.  Plotting against Juliana is Yrgaeshkil, Old Uncle Night's wife and thus she is the Mother of Daymyns, and she is also the Goddess of Lies.As I said, it's quite complex when you try to break it down, but the writing is well done and it is easy to follow and understand the plot.  I recommend this book to fans of dark fantasy, especially people who enjoy a really rich mythology and strong world-building.