Freedom's Gate (Dead Rivers Trilogy)
The first book in Kritzer's new Dead Rivers trilogy is set in a fantasy version of ancient Earth, where the vanquished Greek Empire has risen again to ruthless power with the aid of the witch-like Sisterhood of Weavers and their captivedjinni. When the mysterious and possibly murderous Alashi threaten the Sisterhood, 20-year-old Lauria, chief slave-catcher to Greek commander Kyros, is sent to infiltrate the nomadic rebels by posing as a slave escaped from another commander's harem. Though the subservient role chaffs the proud young lieutenant, Lauria gradually finds herself questioning not her enemies, but her alleged allies and her own false freedom. Sword and sorcery enthusiasts will find plenty of physical and magical action here. Unfortunately, the plot is conventional, and Kritzer fails to provide a convincing connection between her ancient faux Earth and the present-day world. Although this is a competent fantasy yarn, it may fall short of some readers' expectations, particularly fans of Kritzer's earlier, more inventive works (Fires of the Faithful,etc.).Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.