This gripping first novel by Janine Cross takes readers into a harsh jungle world where dragons are worshipped as the embodiments of divinity, yet enslaved by a corrupt priest caste. The nobility, the Emperor and the Temple wield absolute power, life for the bulk of the populace is grueling and short and women are barely regarded as humans.

Young Zarq, her mother and older sister live in grinding poverty among the lowest of the serf caste and scratch out a living from their sweat and blood, and by using the deviant magics that flow in their veins, an inheritance from ancestors among the natives conquered and nearly obliterated by the Emperor.

But Zarq and her family never quite learned the proper attitude of the subjugated, and they suffer for it. A misspoke word, a moment’s casual cruelty from the feudal overlord, and their lives are utterly destroyed. Her sister sold as a pleasure slave, Zarq and her mother are cast out to survive in the wilderness.

Alone and friendless, subject to crushing abuse and ritualized mutilation, Zarq stumbles across the priesthood’s great secret: the power of the dragons’ venom and with it, the hope of affecting change and defying the Emperor, the Temple and the degrading, tradition-dominated society that holds humanity in bondage.

To fulfill this goal, Zarq must break every tabboo, cross every line and engage in rites condemned as the greatest heresey and deviance.

Yet with power there is always danger. Zarq’s enemies are many and numbered among them are many she is fighting to help. More, the venom itself carries a deadly addiction that threatens Zarq’s sanity and her very life.

Lovers of intense and gritty fantasy are welcome to try this, the first book of the Dragon Temple Saga.

The level of detail and realism, including dragon biology.

There was a little first-novel awkwardness, mainly involving writing style and plot, but it improves greatly in the next two books.

Read the next one

Like the main character

Is a rare and talented writer

If you have a weak stomach, stay away.

Cross has crafted a unique and vibrant world with an intricate history, but her most amazing creation is the main character. The reader is put into Zarq's skin and made to live and breath and suffer alongside her, through trials that would break many a person.

Some readers may be offended by the heroine's actions. However, I was offended by the cruelty and the injustices she is subject to, many of which are practiced today in many parts of the world.

Her journey is a celebration of life and the human spirit, warts and all.

It is also fantasy for adults.

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Created Jun 05, 2007 at 1:39am • Submit your own review...