THE DRAGON’S LEGACY

released 4 april 505 pages | Hardback Author deborah a Wolf Publisher Titan Books

Deborah A Wolf’s debut is a triumph of world-building. The title couldn’t be more generic, but it belies a unique Middle Eastern setting and varied ethnic and gender roles. You’ll witness spider worshippers, underground desert cities and a matriarchal culture whose leaders bond with psychic sabre-toothed tigers. Complex politics and at least eight viewpoints, as well as a rich language and lore, bring to mind Dune or A Game Of Thrones. It’s very dense, but the story isn’t overwhelmed.

Sulema is the newest recruit to the Ja’Akari, warrior women of the prides. Her prowess makes her the target of envy as much as respect… and then she learns of her connection to the neighbouring King of Atualon, whose magic keeps the Dragon at the heart of the world asleep. Meanwhile Jian, a pearl diver, is selected for deadly trials which may admit him to the Sindanese princely caste.

It takes frequent glances at the appendix, map, glossary and four-page who’s-who list to keep track of everything. So at first The Dragon’s Legacy feels needlessly complicated, its characters adrift amid the neologisms and narrative flourishes. But it quickly takes shape and Wolf knows how to make you care, ultimately rewarding your patience with a fresh and moving example of modern fantasy. Dave Bradley