The Rage of Dragons (The Burning #1)

Evan Winter. Orbit, $26 (544p) ISBN 978-0-316-48976-8

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OTHER BOOKS The Fires of Vengeance

Winter’s stunning debut fantasy epic is rich in complex characters and a well-wrought world with both European and African influences. Tau Tafari is a common boy of the Omehi people, whose society is strictly divided by class. When his father is murdered needlessly to assuage the ego of an offended noble, Tau vows to take advantage of the only opportunity his class is given and become an Ihashe in the Omehian military. Tau’s determination wins him a spot as an initiate, though most of the other initiates have far greater skill. Desperate to improve himself, Tau breaches the underworld, Isihogo, with the help of his lover, Zuri, a young woman training to become an Enervator (those with the ability to siphon power from the underworld during battle). While his physical body remains untouched, Tau’s soul is free to spar with the demons that stalk Isihogo, and this twisted training changes him far more than he expects. Winter’s secondary characters support his hero’s story and amplify its themes of brotherhood, but it is Tau himself, far more nuanced than a simple underdog, who will move readers to eagerly seek the next volume. This impressive series launch holds tremendous promise. Agent: Erin Malone, William Morris Endeavor. (July)