It has been a year since the continent was pitched into war after centuries of peace, with two races of giants attacking the land. Now the bard Fintan has arrived in Pelemy, where survivors have gathered, to sing how the Giants' War began and continues. He uses his power, his kenning, to shapeshift, taking on the physical appearance of each person whose story is being told. At Fintan's side and recording his narrative is the historian Dervan. From the various players involved in this war, one theme emerges: the only hope for humankind's survival is the discovery of a fresh magic, a new kenning, which will bring some of the world's greatest beasts to fight at their side. The stakes are high, and not everyone will be alive at the end of the bard's tale. VERDICT The author of the "Iron Druid Chronicles" launches a new epic fantasy series with this bardic tome. Multiple points of view may cause some confusion as the story progresses, and not all readers will appreciate the volume's hefty length. Still, die-hard series fans curious to learn about Hearne's latest direction will definitely pick this one up.—KC

In this latest from New York Times best-selling author Hearne (Staked), a bard proclaims the story of a kingdom rescued from an invasion by giant warriors when a mage rediscovers the language that will allow him to talk to magical beasts, persuading them to join forces with humans.

Urban fantasist Hearne (the Iron Druid Chronicles) stumbles badly in his first epic fantasy novel, which fails to make good use of elements borrowed from real-world cultures. An illusionist bard who can take on the appearance of the person whose story he is retelling recounts the events of a year prior: a volcanic eruption disrupts the years of peace among the nations of Teldwen, heralding the coming of two races of pale giants: one from a known nation looking for refuge after the destruction of their island, and another of unknown origin whose mission seems to be looting and slaughtering. The story is imaginative and engrossing, but some readers won't look kindly on the inclusion of one nation that uses the guise of being refugees to mask an attempt at invasion and another with clear South Asian influence, the portrayal of which centers around foul odor, poverty, and the lack of magical ability. (When one does acquire magic, he uses it to become a snake charmer.) The pale Hathrim are depicted as sympathetic even after they invade another nation, take their land, and start a war. The inclusion of an additional narrator whose importance is unclear just adds to the muddle. This is an altogether disappointing first glimpse into Hearne's Seven Kennings series. (Oct.)