October 13, 2010

The Oracle Betrayed by Catherine Fisher

They might not know what the future holds,But they know they hold it in their hands.

Mirany has been chosen to be Bearer-of-the-God ahead of other, more qualified, members of the Nine.  It soon becomes apparent that she was chosen simply because it was believed that she would be too mousy to make a fuss.  The Speaker-for-the-God is conspiring with the general of the army to install a puppet as the Archon. 

When Mirany hears the voice of the god, telling her who the true Archon should be, she must brave dangers to try to get him to the right place on the ninth day.  For the new Archon is a ten year old boy in whom the god now lives, after the death of the old Archon.  He can’t help her, so how can she defy everyone in power and carry out the god’s wishes?

Seth, a scribe with a plot to help a tomb robber, and Oblek, an old court musician, also get embroiled in the scheme.  And during all of it, the land needs rain, making water more valuable than gold.

This is an intriguing story, wonderfully written.  The alien culture is beautifully portrayed, and the suspense makes it very difficult to stop reading.  Most of all, Mirany is a character I couldn’t help but like right away, and I rejoiced as she grew stronger and more capable as she was forced into a role she didn’t want.

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