The War Beyond

The conflict between sisters Hakara and Rasha mirrors the war raging between the gods, in Stewart’s emotionally charged second Hollow Covenant epic (after The Gods Below). While the sisters tussle over the god Kluehnn’s plans to alter the remaining untouched human kingdoms and eliminate the rest of the gods, cousins Sheuan and Mullayne investigate both the shady political ascension of the imperious Sovereign of Langzu and the mysterious fate of legendary explorer Tolemne. Sheuan, now wife of the Sovereign, uses her position to dig into his doings and to help Mullayne infiltrate a prison that may contain Tolemne’s tomb. While secrets are uncovered and faiths are shaken, the complications involved in thwarting Kluehnn grow no smaller. Stewart skillfully toggles between her four main characters, but the points of connection between each of their plot lines occasionally feel forced and strain credulity. Still, readers will find much to chew on here. Agent: Juliet Mushens, Mushens Entertainment. (Nov.)