This is another Kristell Ink author -- I've been very impressed with the writing of authors Joanne Hall, see my review of Rider here and White Mountain written by Sophie E. Tallis, here, would this epic Fantasy offering reach the same high standard?
When a demon sneaks into the mortal world and murders an innocent girl to get to her sister Chaeli, all pretence of peace between the gods is shattered. For Chaeli is no ordinary mortal, she is a demi-goddess, in hiding for centuries, even from herself. But there are two divine brothers who may have fathered her, and the fate of Ibea rests on the source of her blood. Chaeli embarks on a journey that tests her heart, her courage, and her humanity. Her only guides are a man who died a thousand years ago in the Dragon Wars, a former assassin for the Underworld, and a changeling who prefers the form of a cat. And there you have part of the blurb.
As you may have gathered, this is a classical epic fantasy, complete with many of the themes and conventions you'd expect. The protagonist is pleasingly complex and the evident latent power she possesses but doesn't yet really understand or properly know was well handled. I also liked her edges. While she is harried and on the run, reliant on the kindness of strangers, it doesn't mean she is overly submissive or biddable -- or stridently, unbelievably stroppy either. It's a balance harder to achieve than Smith makes it look. In fact, the writing is accomplished and smooth.
In Search of Gods and Heroes, by Sammy H.K. Smith | Alternate History | SFReader.com Book Review
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