K. V. Johansen

So, checking this out from the library was an experiment--should it or should it not stay on the TBR?

It is indeed worth reading. The story is set in a multi-deistic world (which reminds me slightly of Bennett's Divine Cities) where one of the goddesses has chosen to become embodied, lifetime after lifetime. She's accompanied and protected by The Black Dog. The dog is an avatar, more or less, and ends up being passed to a mercenary soldier who wants to be kind to a young, helpless child.

At page 170, it's vivid, well done, with an interesting mix of male and female characters that defy traditional stereotypes. Cultural setting feels solid, pre-industrial with vaguely nomadic mercenaries on one side, with mountain village-dwellers on the other side. Writing is solid, a good mix of reflection and dialogue. The involvement of the gods with their followers seems intriguing, as does the set up.

I'm just not into epic fantasy right now. Though it is billed as a stand-alone, it sounds like there may be other books in this world. When I want a solid epic fantasy, this should be near the top.… (more)