Winterbirth

Starred review from July 23, 2007
Scottish author Ruckley’s outstanding fantasy debut, the first installment of the Godless World trilogy, introduces a sprawling realm abandoned by the gods after two races united to destroy a third. The peoples left behind struggle with centuries-old prejudices and unresolved conflicts that threaten to destroy them all. The start of winter is traditionally a time of celebration, but when the elflike Kyrinin and religious fanatics called Inkallim interrupt the festivities at Castle Kolglas with a masterfully planned attack, the bloodshed is just the first move in an apocalyptic war that won’t end “until the world itself is unmade.” As Ruckley chronicles the plight of numerous characters through an increasingly chaotic landscape, he develops unsubtle allegories to recent world history and some of humankind’s more obvious shortcomings like bigotry, greed and apathy. The author’s unapologetically stark yet darkly poetic narrative displays a refreshing lack of stereotypical genre conventions, ensuring a fervent audience of epic fantasy fans looking for something innovative in a genre that can be anything but.

September 15, 2007
Orbit launches its U.S. sf line with Ruckley's debut entry in the Godless World trilogy. His Scottish-influenced realm is dominated by the Haig Bloods and the Bloods of the Black Road, whose historical clash opens a new chapter when Kanin nan Horin-Gyre leads an invasion of Lannis-Haig lands. His goal is to destroy the Lannis-Haig Blood, and much depends on the survival of at least one member of its royal family. The struggle is given dimension by participation of the Kyrinin, assorted tribes who control the woodlands; the mystic magic of the half-breed Na'kyrim; and the greedy manipulations of Gyre and Haig high thanes. This brutal yet spirited world-spanning political fantasy reflects the strong influence of George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. While the characters are less complex, the action less compelling, and the plot twists less surprising than those elements in that work, this is solid, engaging reading. The epilog, which suggests the birth of even more powerful evil, will leave readers anxious for more. Ruckley shows talent; one suspects even stronger work will follow. Recommended for all fantasy collections. Neil Hollands, Williamsburg Regional Lib., VA

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2007
Scotsman Ruckleys first novel launches a promising trilogy set in the unromanticized medieval Highlands. The gods and their magic have departed, and grim feuds and endless skirmishing prevail as the weather gets ever colder. Chief among feuding clans are the Haigs, and chief among their warriors is a thane in whom some of the old powers may be awakening. This isnt necessarily good news for the Haig clan, for those powers will make their already murderous battles even grislier. But it isnt bad news for readers, since it makes the book much more difficult to put down.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)