I’m not sure what I was expecting when I got hold of Servant of the Underworld. I think a part of me was expecting your average crime thriller given a bit of a makeover and put into an Aztec setting. Chuck in a hefty dose of Aztec porn and a sickeningly sweet romance and bam – instant book.

But, damn was I wrong.

Ms De Bodard has written a book I was very excited by. It’s obvious she’s done more than a few bucketloads of research, and it helps give a very authentic and solid feel to the book. The system of Gods and Magic she’s used is flawless in both its vibrancy and unique-to-fantasy feel. In fact, the magic system of her book is the big thing for me. I was totally knocked over by her deft use of Aztec history and legend to totally rivet me from the opening to the end. It has a fresh and unique feel which is very hard to describe.

Many years ago, I read a vampire series written by Les Daniels, the Don Sebastian Chronicles. There was one book set in a very similar way, and had a similar feel, and I remember thinking at the time, “Why does no one write more of this?”

It seems Ms De Bodard has thought the same. You get kind of sick of wizards throwing lightning and fire, and swinging staffs and having long white beards. I’m so glad to have found this novel.

Another element to the book is the crime element. It is, essentially, a crime novel masquerading as fantasy. Or is it fantasy masquerading as crime? It’s hard to tell. Whatever it is, it is a seamless joining of the two genres.

I am finding it rather difficult to express my opinions of this novel without resorting to gushing like a schoolgirl about it. Does it show?

Notably lacking in this book is the sickening romance of two main characters. There’s no story here of boy meets girl and they together battle evil while forming a relationship which will last through many chapters. No. The only romantic element is buried deep within the novel and involves two side characters, rather than the central hero. He’s a High Priest, after all. And not of the Catholic manner of priest. Therefore, he’s not running about looking for love, lust, or eyeing his apprentices. In fact, he obviously doesn’t understand the whole concept of lust anyway. And that’s what makes his character somewhat endearing. This lack of romance for the central character is something I’m greatly impressed by. My own attempted novel in the works is also lacking romance. Actually, I think my Nysta would also be more attracted to Ms. De Bodard’s knives. The obsidian daggers and the powers granted by them were most intriguing. Another element of the magic system used with great effect in this novel.

It is a book which is like a fresh breeze of crisp air.

None of this, however, was the most exciting thing about this book. No, that belonged to the very first page. Where, in the title of the book, it says, Obsidian and Blood – Vol. 1.

Vol. 1.

That means there’s gonna be more. Thankyou, Angry Robot. They’ve done a great job in unearthing some of the most exciting books of last year, and no doubt will be digging up some more future giants this year. I fully expect Ms De Bodard’s name to be huge.

I just can’t wait. Now, excuse me. I’m off to sacrifice something for Ms De Bodard’s continued success.

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