Spine of the Dragon by Kevin J. Anderson

This is a very good book but…But isn’t always bad.  The plot is excellent.   I’m going to guess that it will be a long series as there are a wealth of characters introduced.  The but is based on the fact that I frequently regret starting a series until it is complete.   I never finished the vaunted Wheel of Time series because I thought I might die of old age before it was completed.  Then I read that Robert Jordan had passed away and felt guilty that I had gotten so frustrated.   This series has a wealth of potential.   The idea of warring creators of man returning as man is attempting to destroy himself in war leaves enormous potential for tales.   I only hope that it doesn’t take too long.

Anderson does a good job showing how revenge and grief can lead to more grief.   Utho demonstrates that grief marinated to hatred and narrow-minded vengeance can overwhelm friendship and common sense.  The wealth of characters and parallel stories were a smidge difficult to keep track of.  

My advice to Anderson, as if he wants or even needs it, would be to make sure he does a thorough back story on the next volume.  This book was an excellent read but it is left wide open at the end.   I suspect the panorama of the plot is so extensive that Anderson had no choice but to leave everything open.

   

I enjoyed the book and hope the sequel is not too long in coming. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.