Book Review

Morevi

Have I mentioned how much I like this editor gig? Especially the part in which I get sent cool stuff, like books? I think I have, but it's still true. And that benefit came home to me once again when I was sent MOREVI, the new novel by Lisa Lee and Tee Morris.

 I am always impressed by people who can collaborate on writing projects. When I learned that these two had met and begun their project over the Internet but haven't even seen each other in person, I was even more so. According to their press release, Tee Morris hails from the USA and is an actor, web designer, and graphic artist. Lisa Lee is originally from Malaysia and currently studying in Australia. The novel evolved from back-and-forth e-mail story sharing

 If I were being called upon to come up with a jacket quote for this one, it'd look something like this:

 "A magical, sensual, swashbuckling adventure!"

 -- Christine Morgan, Sabledrake Magazine.

 But that would be only the beginning. I knew from the moment I read the teaser that I'd enjoy this one. Cocky pirate captain plus proud warrior queen equals a most promising read. The lively cast of characters and the exotic setting -- the age of England's Henry VIII meets, courtesy of a dimensional rift, a fabulous fantasy world -- mix with action, scheming, and intrigue for an engrossing story.

 The circumstances of this review were last-minute; the PDF of the novel arrived on my computer the very day of this issue's deadline. I wasn't sure if I'd have time to read it, but once I'd begun, the problem was turning off the laptop so that I could actually get some sleep. If I'd been holding a print copy, I might have read straight through, but eyestrain from the computer screen demanded I take a break. So I read it in two sittings. I would recommend, though, that other readers take the time to savor this book.

 The writing style is skillful and classy, particularly when it comes to descriptions and evoking the land of Morevi itself. The authors manage quite deftly to avoid the problem that many fantasy novels have, a bulk of "this is the world" documentary taking up the first several pages. They dive right into the story and let the textured and often tragic history unfold on its own.

 It begins with a battle, a chase, and a daring escape. From there, the scene shifts to the archetypal disreputable tavern, familiar to many a gamer. You know the place. Han Solo would be right at home here, and in fact his specter is embodied in the person of Captain Rafe Rafton. A classic rogue with a core of nobility buried under a veneer of swagger, he's primed for a tempestuous relationship with the strong-willed Askana Moldarin.

 Rafton wasn't the only aspect of this book that reminded me of the better parts of the Star Wars epics. Askana has her Amidala moments when it comes to wardrobe (but ever so much better-described than in the Episode One novelization) and the scenery of Morevi recalls the stunning, lush landscape of Naboo. But the culture itself, with flavors strongly Oriental and partly Egyptian, with a dash of Amazons and some Elves mixed in, stands out strikingly.

 This would be a great world to game in. Swordplay, cannons, poisons, magic, the clash of cultures, different religions ... it is a world begging to be fully fleshed out in further books. So much is tantalizingly touched upon, and everything is ripe for seafaring, exploring adventures.

 The Rift, which allows ships to cross between pre-Elizabethan England and this other world, makes for conflict when pirates and privateers avail themselves of new opportunities. But when her throne, not to mention her life, is in peril, Queen Askana must turn to an enemy of her people. The Sea Wolf, the pirate, the only one capable and gutsy enough to help. 

 Morevi's past, not to mention Askana's own, is filled with betrayal, bloodshed, and loss. Hers is a land in which women rule, following a violent revolution in which they overthrew the males and established worship of a many-faced Goddess. This is one of the better depictions of a female-dominated society that I have seen. The women are strong and fierce and fearless, calling to mind the Moon Maidens of Robert Adams' Horseclans novels as well as the Amazons of mythology, but without the underlying smug message that these women are messed up because of their defiance of the "natural order."

 Threads of numerous sub-plots weave cleverly through Askana's struggle to reclaim her crown. Political maneuverings thrive on both sides of the Rift, magic forces both light and dark are at work in the form of a benevolent-if-harsh wise woman of the woods and a villain bent on plots of necromantic revenge, and the interactions of a group of English sailors suddenly confronted with full-blown Elven society (these are the right kind of elves, too; my kind of elves, hearkening to Tolkien with their tall grace and immortality) are delightfully fun.

 The character of Lubria, a tiger-woman whose Fae background is hinted at but never fully laid out, is one of the stand-outs of the supporting cast. Nassir the Moor, a young warrior-maid named Elunear, the mysterious Maeve, Askana's ambitious consort Jermal, Kubi-Sogi the weapons master, and the sly Morevians Dirare and Min-Lu all play memorable parts, as do the leaders of the Elves.

 MOREVI might be the sort of book that's going to appeal more to women than to men, but it is neither feminist manifesto nor swooning bodice ripper. It is a fast-paced and complex tale packed with plots and fights and pent-up attractions. Gamers and fantasy fans alike will be captivated by the possibilities the world offers.

 Among its other interesting features, MOREVI includes a nicely-done map and the unusual touch of a table of contents complete with chapter headings. That's not seen often in many novels today. The look of the book is clean and professional with attractive cover art.

 Overall, it's a fine package all around, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh new read. And given that it is billed as "The Chronicles of Rafe and Askana," we can hope to see the adventure continue in many books yet to come.

review by Christine Morgan