Review - City Of Bones

City Of Bones
By Martha Wells
Tor Books
ISBN: 0-312-85686-5
$14.95

City Of Bones brings to mind the motion picture Waterworld. However, instead of a world flooded with H2O it takes place in a land dry as dust, where water, not dirt, is the precious commodity. The main character, Khat, is equipped with a body that can withstand the desert landscape much like Kevin Costner’s character could breathe underwater. But that’s where the similarities end. While Costner had evolved to survive, Khat is a creation of the Ancients; sorcerers of a time that is all but forgotten.

Khat makes his living as a relic dealer in the trade city of Charisat. His talents draw the attention of Riathen who employs him to find a relic that will unlock the secrets of the Remnants and allow him to tap their immense, mystical power. Built centuries ago by the Ancients, they are the only thing keeping at bay an unspeakable evil. In his quest for power, Riathen fails to realize the dangers.

Khat, along with Elen and Constans must stop Riathen before it is too late. But each has his own agenda and does not trust the other. If they cannot put aside their differences their world is doomed.

I must commend the author on her originality and creativity. Though she draws on Middle Eastern culture the story takes on a life of its own. Description and narration take up a better portion of the novel but they do so without distracting from the action and dialogue. City Of Bones is a sand blasted adventure from start to finish.