Bloodwinter (Bantam Spectra Book) - Softcover

This first book introduces us to rival nations Eron and Ixti. Eron's mountain-dwelling, Nordic society is tightly ordered and places great importance on craftsmanship and ritual. To the deserts of the south, the more chaotic and combative Ixti is grasshopper to Eron's ant, always coveting the resources of its neighbor. Bloodwinter concerns the fate of five young people, four from Eron, one from Ixti: the beautiful Strynn and the reserved Avall are newly married, but Strynn carries the child of Avall's villainous rival, Eddyn. These three master artisans work together through the winter on regalia for their king, but Avall stumbles upon a powerful gem that feeds on blood and allows its users to meld their minds. Meanwhile, Merryn, Avall's sister and Strynn's closest friend, serves out the winter in Eron's War-Hold, after shaming Eddyn in a ritual duel. She ends up in bed with the significant Ixtian in the story, self-exiled Prince Kraxxi, who has accidentally killed his father's favorite son. Bloodwinter is solid, if long in parts, but it ends abruptly. Hopefully the next installment will better address the most consistent complaint about Deitz, leveled by fans and critics alike: pacing. --Paul Hughes