The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie
The Kingdom of Iraden has been protected for centuries by a god known as The Raven, bound to a human ruler known as The Lease. The periodic death of The Lease as a sacrifice to the Raven fuels the Raven’s power which helps the god fulfill its duty to Iraden. Mawat, the Lease-heir is called home in anticipation of a transition. He and his servant, Eolo, arrive to find his uncle on the throne, or Bench, his father missing, and the sacrifice of the Lease unmet. Eolo discovers a mystery and dark secrets that could unravel a country.
The story, with a slight debt to Hamlet, alternates between Eolo’s perspective in the Iraden seat of power, Vastai, and the perspective of an ancient god, known as The Strength and Patience of the Hill. The alternating perspectives investigate the present mystery, while also conveying the long history of the world that led to the current turning point. A long history filled with gods large and small as well as warring groups of humans.
Leckie’s earlier works play with the use of gendered pronouns. In The Raven Tower, one of the devices she employs is extensive use of second-person point of view. In each case, the device serves to shift your perspective slightly and let you view things in a light you may not have otherwise done. The extraordinary skill she displays is just on the edge of your consciousness without overpowering the story.
The story explores in a way that few fantasies do the way in which a world filled with gods achieve and exercise their power through their interactions with humans. It illustrates the complicated relationships this entails and the conflicts between both gods and humans that result. Leckie spirals the story in from large concepts in ever tighter circles that sweep you along and bring you to the very center where seemingly disparate stories converge in a climax that seems inevitable only after the fact.
Like everything Leckie has done, this is an impressive feat. Compelling characters, fascinating worldbuilding, interesting plot and exceptional writing. Leckie books are thoughtful and not quite like anything else being written. The Raven Tower is sure to please her many fans, win her new ones, and lead to more awards. Highly recommended.
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book from the publisher.
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