REVIEW: The Godless by Ben Peek

The Godless by Ben Peek
Publishing information: Paperback; 576 pages
Publisher: Tor; 12 Feb 2015
ISBN: 978-1447251286
Series: Children #1
Copy: Provided by publisher
Reviewer: Tyson

Amazon

Synopsis: "Ben Peek's The Godless is the first in the Children Trilogy; an epic fantasy series with a gripping plot and unforgettable characters. The Gods have fallen but their powers live on ...Fifteen thousand years after the War of the Gods and their corpses now lie scattered across the world, slowly dying as men and women awake with strange powers that are derived from their bodies. While some see these powers as a gift - most call them a curse. When Ayae - a young cartographer's apprentice in the city of Mireea - is trapped in a burning building, she is terrified as a dormant power comes to life within her. The flames destroy everything around her but she remains unscathed - fire cannot touch her. This curse makes her a target for the army marching on her home - an army determined to reclaim the body of the god Ger, who lies dying beneath the city, and harness his power for themselves. Zaifyr, a man adorned in ancient charms, also arrives in Mireea. His arrival draws the attention of two of the 'children of the gods', Fo and Bau, powerful, centuries-old beings who consider themselves immortal. All three will offer different visions for Ayae's powers - and whatever choice she makes will result in new enemies. Meanwhile, as the army approaches ever closer to Mireea, the saboteur Bueralan and Dark, his mercenary group, look to infiltrate and learn its weaknesses. Alone in a humid, dangerous land, they find themselves witness to rites so appalling they realize it would take the Gods themselves to halt the enemy's attack - and even they may not be enough."

I have had Godless sitting on my shelf for over a year and finally got around to reading it. Godless takes place when the gods have died, their corpses make up the landscape and their bodies leech magic that from time to time infect the populace. While most consider the powers a curse, some consider it a gift. Ayae is one such person that has recently been given the gift. She was well on her way to becoming a very rich woman as she was the apprentice to the world-renown cartographer and would eventually take over the business. That is until a strange man attempts to kill her by burning down her business. It is here that she learns she is fire-proof.

Her newfound gift sets her off on a quest with a mysterious man. Zaifyr, a mystic that helps Ayae learn to use her unique gift. Together, along with a mercenary named Bueralan, they attempt to find out why the neighboring country is about to attack their homeland.

While Godless isn't Peek's published work, it is his first series and it does a great job of showing off his talents. He does an amazing job of building up his world. The battles were also well written. The author contacted me about reading the second book in the series and I will more than likely get to it in short order but if you haven't picked up Godless, or were on the fence about it. I do suggest you give it a shot.

Overall 7.5/10