THE EDGE OF THE WORLD, Kevin J. Anderson’s first book in what will be the TERRA INCOGNITA trilogy, is a sprawling beast of an action/fantasy book. It tells multiple tales of two nations involved in an inflexible religious war, each eager to destroy the other after diplomacy has failed. Anderson writes from the point of view of both kings and commoners, taking the time to build his characters and their individual stories, intertwining them slowly into the other storylines.
Both nations are also involved in an effort at exploration, hoping to discover new lands and resources. One nation strikes out across the sea in search of a new world, and the other crosses a barren desert to locate previously unknown human inhabitants.
While this is fantasy, and there is a touch of sympathetic magic to be found, Anderson’s intent is to craft an action-adventure that has fantastical elements (sea serpents, people with photographic memories, etc.), but revolves around a much more natural theme of discovery and exploration, of a somewhat primitive civilization on the verge of discovering things that will profoundly change their lives and habits. It is an exciting tale told with excitement and professionalism, and one would expect no less from an author of his stature.
There are a few oddities that grate a little. King Korastine’s reluctance to engage in war pretty much guarantees some brutal battle losses early on. The Saedrans, those of the perfect memories, refuse to let their cartographic knowledge become public information, which means that they must be hired as chartsmen to help ships navigate the ocean currents. That seems remarkably inefficient, especially if the Saedran happens to drown en route. But these are minor quibbles. If you’re looking for a well-built world that can encompass a truly vast storyline, appealing characters, intense action and a lust for adventure, then you should definitely check this one out.
Oh, and progressive-rock fans should also take note: There is a CD called TERRA INCOGNITA: BEYOND THE HORIZON performed by the Roswell Six, based on a thread found in this trilogy. The disc features Lana Lane, Michael Sadler of Saga, James LaBrie of Dream Theater, John Payne of Asia, David Ragsdale of Kansas, Gary Wehrkamp of Shadow Gallery, and Chris Quirarte of Prymary. Get your music and reading groove on and go for both! —Mark Rose
OTHER BOOKGASM REVIEWS OF THIS AUTHOR:
• DEAN KOONTZ’S FRANKENSTEIN: BOOK ONE – PRODIGAL SON by Dean Koontz and Kevin J. Anderson
• ENEMIES & ALLIES by Kevin J. Anderson
• THE LAST DAYS OF KRYPTON by Kevin J. Anderson
• THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN by Kevin J. Anderson
• THE MARTIAN WAR: A THRILLING EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT OF THE RECENT INVASION AS REPORTED BY MR. H.G. WELLS by Kevin J. Anderson
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You need to remove KJHackerson’s name from Dean Koontz’book. He rightly has deleted any and all involvement of this atrocity of a writer. The name is no longer on the cover!
That’s because he paid a kill fee to have the name removed.