Banewreaker

Following the triumphant success of her Kushiel series (Kushiel's Dart, Kushiel's Chosen, and Kushiel's Avatar), Jacqueline Carey now turns her hand to another startling fable, an epic tale of gods waging war in their bid to control an entire universe – and the mortals whom they use as chess pieces in a most deadly game.

Once, the Seven Shapers dwelled in accord. First-born among them was Haomane, Lord-of-Thought – and with his six sibling gods, they Shaped the world to their will. But Haomane was displeased, for he thought that his younger brother, Satoris, was too prideful (and too generous) in his gifts to the race of Men.

Satoris refused to bow to Haomane, ans so began the Shapers' War, which Sundered the world. Haomane and his siblings lay at one end of a vast ocean, unable to touch their creations, while Satoris and the races of the world dwelled on the other. Satoris is reviled because most of the races believe that it was he alone who caused the rift.

Satoris sits in Darkhaven – seeking neither victory nor vengeance. He is not alone, for with him came his allies from the various races. And chief among them is Tanaros Blacksword, immortal Commander General of his army. Once a mortal man who was betrayed by king and wife, Tanaros fled to Darkhaven a thousand years ago, and in Satoris's service has redeemed his honor – but left his humanity behind.

Now a new prophecy has come that tells how the world could be made whole if Satoris were destroyed. In order to thwart the prophecy, Satoris orders Tanaros to capture the Lady of the Ellylon, the beautiful Cerelinde, to prevent her alliance with the last High King of Men.

What neither Satoris nor Tanaros realize is that meeting Cerelinde will prove that not all of Tanaros's heart was turned to stone by his wife's betrayal, and that part of him is still very human. This will irrevocably change Tanaros's world forever – and could doom Satoris in the process...

Strong storytelling with evocative, compelling, and unforgettable characters, Banewreaker ultimately asks the question: If all that is considered good considers you evil, are you?