DISTANT KINGDOMS: The Drodenar Project, Folly of the Gods by Ian Richard Gill
"What of Klar? What if Kagan is willing to sacrifice Plung, then what? Then will Eruda make war against Kraas?" An excerpt from page 411.
Ian Richard Gill's Folly of the Gods is an amazing science fiction novel that held me captive until I finish indulging my emotions in it. It's absolutely interesting, brilliantly descriptive, with an intriguing wordbuilding that I'd love to refer to, in future time.
From the inception of the Androgenaris, and the talented artisans, Jusk and Kieper who trades what they have to the Riff communities, though this was against their community standard, and in order not to get caught, they would escape through the alleyway to get their goods to the Riff in exchange for money to carter for themselves. I found the names of some characters among the Andros very hilarious, and hard to pronounce, I would have been eased if I'd discovered the glossary section earlier before embarking on this promising journey.
Frondi, another Andro who had come visiting was surprised by Jusk's craft and had asked to know the source of his materials, Jusk while ignoring Frondi's question sensed that something was fishy. He quickly woke his son, Kuiper telling him of the need for them to flee as their plans had been discovered. Escaping Eruda was tough for the young Kuiper, he told of how he would miss his friends and the life he lived in their formal territory. However, while information got to the Ki of Eruda about their escape, he called for one of the chamber guards and ordered them to take words to the master of hunters at the main city gate, and that he want Jusk found, held in a cell, and killed if he gives any trouble.
The quest for finding these two Andros took turns of hardship, defense, and unfavorable exposures. I love that there are some graphics in these parts to explain the indulgence of these non-human characterizations. The "pursuer and the pursued" had a tough time on their way, Jack and Kuiper had to climb mountains, and endure the harsh winter, and the breaking ice, they persevered throughout the journey, making sure that the guards sent over them do not find them. Sometimes, they were attacked and had to fight their way through some weird creatures in the wilderness.
This was followed by the discovery of Jack's friend, Kjo whom they'd met in the course of their adventurous journey. And the sessions of approval, accommodations, and the utilization of Jusk's knowledge to provide security and strength for the people of Midrib in preparation for the impending war. It was interesting to read about the section whereby the kingdom of Midrib was to be offered to Poopa, who was Ping's first son. Poopa was a bit skeptical initially of the need to accept this proposal, but following his father's reassurance, he will soon be honored as the Ki of Midrib.
I love the introduction of humans in some parts of the story, and the experiment. The characterization of some scientific portion of this book, and that of the Andro is the reason why I consider the book to be a blend of sci-fiction and nonmagical fantasy. The introduction of characters like Anna Henderson, Atwater, and Rufus, among many others, made for an interesting discussion. It was also exciting to read about Artificial Intelligence, technology, etcetera. Some sections of the story are romantic, especially the scene between Plung and Klyky.
I shall restrain myself from revealing further in an attempt to keep this review spoiler free, although, I'd love you to want to check out to know about the outcome of the impending war between Eruda and Kraas. Even though much wasn't revealed in this first series, I for one would love to know about the Fate of the Andros, of the researchers, and the Kingdoms, among many other crews that arouse my curiosity. I am quite concerned about knowing the inspiration behind Richard - writing this fantastic book. It feels like something that would be great if enacted, I admired his writing style, though I was a bit lost with some characters' placement, especially among the Andros, which I hope to see develop clearly in the second series. Aside from that, I praise the writing style, it is very descriptive and abounding in words, it reminded me of some of my most admirable british writers. This book is a great way to start a series and I look forward to seeing how the story is developed further. I recommend this book to lovers of sci-fiction, fantasy, and literature at large.
Reviewed by Peter Okonkwo