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The Edge of the World: Terra Incognita Book 1    by Kevin J. Anderson Amazon.com order for
Edge of the World
by Kevin J. Anderson
Order:  USA  Can
Orbit, 2009 (2009)
Paperback, e-Book

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* * *   Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto

Wow. That is all I can say about the start of Kevin J. Anderson's new epic fantasy trilogy, Terra Incognita. The Edge of the World is a powerhouse realistic fantasy that will take the reader for one amazing ride.

For as long as anyone can remember, the Aidenists lived in Tierra and the Urecari lived in Uraba, two continents connected only by the holy city of Ishalem. While their religions kept them apart, the two sects comfortably shared the continent. All that changes when moments after a peaceful edict is signed, a fire breaks out in the Urecari district that they attribute to the Aidenists. What follows is a more than decade-long war as the two sides let their hatred rule. The rulers of each land, however, are more interested in exploring the world and expanding their territories that way, rather than taking over the other part of the known world. But the war takes precedence, and is never pretty.

With all of the storylines to follow in The Edge of the World, reading it seems a daunting task at first. However, Anderson is an expert as crafting well-rounded characters; the reader empathizes with them and can easily follow them through the tangled plots. The author's world-building also shows a level of mastery that is well suited to such an epic adventure.

I need to mention here the companion CD to The Edge of the World. Taking one of the storylines, Anderson and his wife penned the lyrics to these songs. The CD, which sounds like a powerful prog rock opera, adds another wonderful dimension to the story. The Edge of the World is an epic work that is a must for any fantasy fan. I cannot wait to visit Kevin J. Anderson's world again in future installments of the Terra Incognita trilogy.

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