Terra Incognita

Book 1: The Edge of the World

Orbit (2009)
ISBN: 9781841496634
$32.99
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Reviewed by Tehani Wessely, Oct 2009


Two cultures, once related, have been at war for centuries. Finally weary of the continued friction, two enlightened leaders attempt to end the bloodshed between their nations. But by an accident of fate, this accord is destroyed in one tragic blow, causing the lands to fall back to each other's throats, plunging the world into yet darker times.

There are those, however, who seek their mutual origins, who have hopes that seeking across the sea will either mean the salvation of their country, or the means by which to destroy those who stand opposed.

An overpopulated cast of characters made for a bit of confusion in the plot of this massive fat fantasy, but at the same time, Anderson also manages to draw the reader in and make you want to know, what happens next? I'm not sure all the characterisations worked for me, many characters feeling somewhat two dimensional, to the point of stereotypical, but this did begin to abate by the end of the book as the characters fleshed out. Additionally, much of the plot seemed overly contrived throughout the novel, although again, I wouldn't be surprised if this aspect improves in subsequent books as the purpose of events becomes more clear.

While not a flawless book in my opinion, it was an interesting new high fantasy world and it made me want to know how Anderson is going to develop the plot as it goes on. I will be interested to read book two.