26 May 2004

REVIEW: Path of Fate by Diana Pharaoh Francis
Roc, 2003
Reviewed by Elizabeth Barrette
www.worthlink.net/~ysabet/index.html

Elizabeth Barrette has studied ancient religions, mythology, and assorted sciences for many years. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a rhetoric major and a women's studies minor. She writes articles, essays, interviews, ritual and invocational material, poetry, reviews, and fiction. Her major fields include speculative fiction, New Age/Pagan, and alternative sexualities/erotica/gender studies. She writes Book Reviews from Hypatia's Hoard for the Webzine Spicy Green Iguana.

In a time when many traditional fantasy motifs have been done to death, Diana Pharaoh Francis delivers a breath of fresh mountain air. Expecting a strong female character? Sure, take your pick of 'em, starting with Reisiltark who has the chutzpah to argue with a goddess. Expecting idiotic politicking? Of course, if you can call it that when the story starts after the war ends. Expecting magical animal companions who make a lonely girl's dream come true? Well, close, but not quite.

Welcome to Kodu Riiik, a country protected by the Blessed Lady Amiya. To keep Her people safe, she empowers two branches of her servants. The tarks have the gift of healing, and customarily attach themselves to a locale and its people. The ahalad-kaaslane are human/animal pairs, whose joining gives them unusual insight. They serve as arbiters of justice, explorers, even spies, and never stay long in one place. One doesn't became a tark or ahalad-kaaslane at birth, but must be chosen for the position—a situation complicated by the fact that it isn't always humans who are doing the chosing. Kodu Riik borders another country called Patverseme, whose citizens revere the Lord of the Dark, Pahe Kurjus. Pahe is both demon and protector.

Both countries are torn by war and rife with prejudice and resentment. However, Path of Fate explores a different kind of heroism than mere weaponcraft by carefully examining the difficult task of building peace. Into this setting comes Reisiltark, a young healer in Kodu Riik who is determined to become a tark and establish herself in her chosen vocation. The other major characters include Kebonsat and his sister Ceriba, part of a delegation from Patverseme.

As the novel begins, a goshawk descends on Reisil to claim her as ahalad-kaaslane, conflicting with her desire to be a tark. At the same time, forces unknown abduct Ceriba to disturb the fragile cease-fire between the two countries. Kebonsat must work with Reisil and her people, despite his mistrust, if he is to have any chance of rescuing his sister. Reisil must learn to cooperate with her goshawk. Ceriba must find a way to survive.

Francis renders the shifts in her characters' relationships with the same exquisite precision and attention to detail she brings to their cultures. If you often find yourself disgusted with authors whose characters change abruptly, you'll love the methodical—even relentless—march of this story as it sweeps people through unpleasant realizations about each other and themselves. At the same time, Francis creates characters who are plausible and understandable, even when they aren't sympathetic. It's easy to see how even the "good guys" have flaws, and even the "bad guys" have motives that seem laudable to themselves. Francis has a profound knack for wrapping the tapestry of interpersonal relationships around the scaffolding of plot, and then giving a brisk yank to create action. This makes a gratifying contrast to the endless reams of tepid introspection or soulless adventure clogging so many shelves today.

Path of Fate is excellent fantasy, with special appeal for readers interested in animals or healing, most highly recommended. It stands alone quite well, yet leaves room for further exploration of these characters and cultures. So hang onto your hats—and check your expectations at the door.