The Burning Land [Hardcover]

Two theocratic societies clash in this solid if predictable fantasy from Strauss (The Arm of the Stone). Overthrown decades ago by an egalitarian revolution that quickly evolved into a totalitarian state, the Brethren of the Way of Arata have regained power in the largest of the seven nations of Galea. The Brethren, incarnate Sons and Daughters of the First Messenger who revealed the Way of Arata 12 centuries earlier, are aided by those gifted with the powers of Dreaming (astral projection) and of Shaping (the ability to transform inanimate material). Vowed Aratist and Shaper Gyalo travels south to investigate a rumored community of "lost" Aratists existing in the harsh and holy Burning Land. If Gyalo survives his perilous journey, he will discover an enclave called Refuge. The people of Refuge, guided by the revelations of their first leader, believe they are the last remnants of humanity. Gyalo's mere existence either challenges their faith or fulfills it. Axane, a daughter of Refuge's elected leader who has hidden her ability to Dream, dreams of Gyalo and his expedition. She recognizes her world is not as she has been taught. With both sides believing the other is blasphemous and heretical, disaster looms. The novel's interesting exploration of a messiah-like character's struggle with his faith outweighs the more melodramatic role of Axane, who's a standard fantasy heroine, strong yet vulnerable, obedient yet rebellious. In the end the author lays a firm foundation for an eventual sequel.
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Recently liberated Arsace has reclaimed its capitol and its principal temple. During the preceding period of oppression, however, the usual suspects were at work, creating tension between secular and sacred estates. And, so rumor runs, an elite caste of sorcerers, the Shapers, developed some ethically questionable practices. In secluded Refuge, young sorceress Axane has dreams that disclose a host of dangers to Refuge's static society. Meanwhile, a male Shaper, Gyalo, has to lead an expedition to Refuge, perforce crossing the Burning Lands in the process and later discovering truths about Refuge unknown to its inhabitants. Inevitably, Gyalo at first looks like the deadly menace of Axane's dreams, but much magical learning and common sense and a certain amount of chemistry dispel that delusion, leading to not only love but also the basis for making common cause against evil. Marion Zimmer Bradley's strong influence enhances appeal for newcomers to Strauss, and readers of The Garden of the Stone (1998) and The Arm of the Stone (1999) will be impressed, but not surprised. Roland Green
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From acclaimed author Victoria Strauss comes a sweeping new tale of magic, oppression, danger, love, temptation, and revelation....

After long years of oppression, the rightful rulers of Arsace have finally reclaimed the holy city of Baushpar and the First Temple of the God. At last, the desecrated temples can be rebuilt and the people's suffering redressed. But tensions between the secular and sacred worlds abound, and rumors arise of renegade Shapers -- powerful mages who hold no allegiance to either the King or the Brethren, and whose magic knows no restraint.

Unbeknownst to the elders of her people, the gifted Axane has dared to dream, to see the outside world beyond the hidden enclave of Refuge -- a world the people of Refuge no longer believe exists -- that has no tolerance for change and will soon break down the walls of their secret sanctuary. But Axane's dreaming is forbidden, and to warn Refuge is to doom herself.

Chosen to lead an expedition to reclaim the renegade mages, Gyalo, a young Shaper, must journey across the mystic Burning Land in a deadly adventure of danger and temptation, a journey that will force him to face his innermost demons and possibilities both sacred and profane. For Refuge hides a shocking truth about the very nature of the world itself -- a secret that will start a war without end.

Victoria Strauss was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, and graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Comparative Religion. She wrote her first novel when she was seventeen, during a year off between high school and college. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, with her husband and three cats.