Heresy & Inquisition
Books One and Two of the Aquasilva Trilogy
Anselm Audley
Earthlight
Paperback & trade paperback, 500 & 400 pages
Reviewed by Al du Pisani, 2003
The first SF writer to use the idea of the Big Planet was Jack Vance. A
planet larger in size than Earth, but lacking in heavy metals, so that the
gravity is Earth normal. Aquasilva in such a Big Planet, but it is also an
ocean planet, with only some islands in the vast ocean deep.
Cathan is the son of a count on an outlying island. Shortly before he is
to leave for his "university" year, iron is discovered on
their land. And as part of his travels, he now also have to make a deal to
sell this precious commodity.
But this "university" year is not what it seems: Cathan will be
initiated into heresy: He will learn that there are still people willing to
worship something other that the only official religion of Fire, and he will
become an initiate and magic wielder. Albeit for Shadow, and not his
home element of Water.
But when he returns from his year of training, it is to find that the
Domain, the ruling religion, has designs on his home island, and Cathan and
his friends have to stop them.
In Book Two, Cathan and his friends are searching for allies in Theria. At
the same time a new crusade, complete with inquisition, is launched against
Theria. Where Cathan has to find out his parentage and heritage, and keep the
secrets of his friends. Where he has to find out more about the time before
the Domain became the only religion around, and where he has to find a ship
missing for years.
Where his allies and enemies are not that easy to distinguish, and each is
playing his or her own part.
Aquasilva is a fascinating world. One where magic might, just might, be
extremely advanced science. Where the giant submarines is built in the shape,
form and method of locomotion of manta rays. Which is powered by some kind of
reactor, fuelled by seawood. Where there also are Firewood, which have
some unusual properties. Where science is under constant treat by religion,
and where you suspect it is because religion have more advanced science
they are trying to hide.
Very interesting to read about, and where the hero and narrator has some
distinctly unheroic flaws. Which might be strengths, to be used differently
than expected.
Good story, difficult to decide if there is science hidden behind the magic.
I look forward to reading the next book. And expect that it will not meet my
expectations of heroism.
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