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Full Fathom Five by Max Gladstone5/29/2023 ![]() ![]() The island Kavekana is one of the few places in the world that has maintained its independence in a world beholden to the power of the gods or the Death Kings. In a moment of compassion, Izza rescues a foreigner, clearly a representative of a god, and thus forbidden. The oldest child usually becomes the ‘priest’ of the group, leading and providing solace through stories about their god, but Izza doesn’t want the responsibility. In another part of the island, Izza, a fifteen year-old refugee and street thief, is refusing to take lead of her rag-tag group of urchins. Kai’s injuries, both spiritual and physical, result in prolonged convalescence and a new position in the order. Her superior, Jace and friend, Mara, witnessed Kai’s jump and do not believe Kai heard the idol speak. Or maybe she’s a goddess–Kai is no longer sure which–perhaps the division between her work with idols and the forbidden worship of gods isn’t as clear as she thought. ![]() ![]() It begins with a professional priest, Kai, diving into an infinite pool, attempting to rescue a drowning idol. This is the best I can summarize Full Fathom Five, an inventive fantasy that had me riveted, fighting the need to come up for air so that I could just stay submerged a little longer. –Ariel’s Song, from The Tempest, Shakespeareĭeep breath: a dive into the water, immersed in something alien, and yet familiar. ![]()
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