Rose of the Prophet (1) - The Will of the Wanderer by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
The first part of an astonishing trilogy: The Will of the Wanderer by Weis Hickman (in German Das Buch der Götter und das Buch des Quar (2 books), in French not translated). I read it in English where it contained 444 pages. Originally published 1988. Boys and girls, 16 to death.
The god Akhran has no choice: To save the balance of the world and stop a usurper, he has to join the tribes of his followers - through marriage. But both Zohra and Khardan are proud, pick headed, strong - and have inherited the typical, generation long hate between the tribes. While some of Akhran's djinn try to keep the happy couple from killing each other until the rose of the prophet blooms, others see themselves forced to boycott their god. All the while, a sorcerer has to do what it takes in order to survive. Even if it means hiding in a woman's skirts...
The world, on which this series bases, is absolutely fascinating. You will learn more about it here. Apart from that, the characters are realistic (, stupid) and very well done; the book is tense and the ideas great.
Zohra's and Khardan's relationship is gorgeously well described. Especially the wedding and how they keep both groom and bride from running away. And the wedding night, of course.
The djinn are amazing as well. All these motivations etc. besides the obvious urge to please their gods! I'm sorry for Sond and his girl. Poor, poor woman! And Pukah's just funny, especially when he's talking to his reflection. My, that's so crazy! But, like I said, funny.
I like Mathew and I'm sorry for him, as well. That's quite a journey he's gone through – and not exactly a pleasant one. It's great Khardan saved him, even though he kind of deserves pity – Khardan, I mean. With his both wifes?
The princess sucks. I didn't like her and never trusted her, not once. Really, how could Khardan and his brother be so stupid?
The gods totally rock – you'll read a little about them when you click on the link above, to world.
All in all, I give it stars for content, style, ideas, characters and the world itself.