Envy of the Gods: If the Reward were Right

Andrea Savitch
Bridgeway Books (2006)
ISBN 13: 978-1-933538-11-2
10: 1-933538-11-2
Reviewed by Nina Larson for Reader Views (5/06)

It is a good thing that this is the first book of a trilogy because I completely sympathized with the sultan in Arabian Nights at the end of each night’s tale. Although this book is a stand alone story, I wanted to know what happened next.

A rough sketch of the plot is that an intelligent and talented megalomaniac lord with a vision for a better future (Duke Atan) meets the eager sociopath (Mahtso) who supports the Duke’s vision and between the two of them set out to make it real. About halfway to their goal, but only 3 chapters into the book, a very self-possessed woman (Raphela) deliberately introduces herself into Duke Atan’s life. She proceeds to become the unexpected third in their triad by fully embracing his power and her own.

Don’t expect a lot of excessive blood, gore, or sex. “Envy of the Gods” is more about a forceful paradigm shift with love beads and a reading is FUNdamental attitude. And of course, a “the world would work much better if I was in charge” belief. The beauty of fiction is that in this book, that belief is true.

Minor irritants were probably why I was surprised at the emotional attachment I had at the end of the book. For instance, I wasn’t too impressed by the “magical books” that had a couple of key answers. If the ancients were so wise and wonderful, what happened to them? Also, as someone who has read a lot of romance novels, I was not swept away by the love scenes. Finally, never describing the unusually named animals drove me nuts.

Which brings me to the $16.95 question: Am I glad I read this “Envy of the Gots”? Yes. Would I read the other books in the trilogy? Yes. Granted, I am a sci-fi fantasy reader from way back. I also think this book bridged between Young Adult and Sci-Fi/ Fantasy based on the ease of reading and the lack of technical details.

Finally, there were a lot of other references that are not developed aspects of this world. This means the next two books can be about anything. This is an excellent place for a new writer to be.

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