The Death Bringer is a most satisfying conclusion to J. Scott Coatsworth’s Tharassas Cycle. The novel begins with the planet on the edge of disaster. The Death Bringer is a most satisfying conclusion to J. Scott Coatsworth’s Tharassas Cycle. The novel begins with the planet on the edge of disaster. Catastrophic, world-changing events are in motion. An alien invasion threatens civilization. War is coming.
Where are our heroes, Aik and Raven, and Silya, the Hencha Queen, and all the others? What’s going on inside Anghar Mor, a mysterious volcano?
Aik, who set off to find his beloved, Raven, has been taken by the Spore Mother, an alien being whose kind has been on Tharassas for centuries. They are awake again, with a mission to take over the planet. She has changed Aik into the Progenitor, and “released him to transform the world for her alien brood” (back cover). Is Aik still there, or he is lost inside this monster? Silya and Raven are desperate to rescue Aik, but Silya has prepare Gullton for the coming battle. One crisis after another demand her attention. Raven is also busy. Not only must he keep the “dragon-like verent in line,” but he also has to help Silya to save the world. Can he help her and help the man he loves? Can Aik be restored to himself? Will love be enough? Will sacrifices be made?
The end of the world, or at least the end of the world as they know it, is nigh.
I was impressed again with Coatsworth’s richly detailed world-building and strong character development. I was fascinated by the juxtaposition of the world in danger, with the personal struggles of Aik and Raven, and their relationship, and Silya’s coming-of-age, as it were, as Hencha Queen. The supporting cast, from Kerrick, the man who loves Silya, Spin, the AI from Earth who has not forgotten his humanity, Dor, a sister from who is Silya’s aide, and the rest, further enrich this fast-paced tale. The tensions between the personal and the public make this tale stronger and more beautiful. Yes, “Aik will never be the same …” (back cover) and neither will anyone else, nor will the planet. I was also to call attention to the moments when I actually feeling sympathy for the Progenitor, the Spore Mother and the rest of the aliens. This is a sign of a true and powerful storyteller!
Fans of the previous books in the cycle, Tales from Tharassas, The Dragon Eater, The Gauntlet Runner, and The Hencha Queen, will not be disappointed. Read them all!
This novel is indeed "A deeply moving tale," that is both beautiful and heartbreaking.This novel is indeed "A deeply moving tale," that is both beautiful and heartbreaking....more
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