The first thing I do before borrowing from the library or buying from a bookshop is to methodically search the shelves for books by my favourite authors that I haven’t read. I love that feeling of exhilaration and anticipation on finding an unread gem.
Australian Sara Warneke, a.k.a. Sara Douglass, is a writer I automatically seek out. I’ve been escaping to her intricately created fantasy worlds for many years, eagerly awaiting her offerings. It was like Christmas when I discovered each of the Axis, Wayfarer Redemption and Darkglass Mountain instalments.
…
What follows is an enthralling account of love and betrayal and good versus evil combined with the supernatural and the documented religious beliefs, mores and politics of the age. I was particularly impressed the book ended on a surprising note. I was so sure I had unearthed the plot.
Although The Devil’s Diadem was written as a one-off story I can’t help wishing it was a continuing saga. Australia and the world have lost a truly great storyteller. Vale Sara Douglass.
©2012 Andie Gatti / Tales From Oz. To read the full review by Andie Gatti on the Tales From Oz website please click on this link.