"The Killing Moon"

"The Killing Moon" is N. K. Jemisin's first book in her new Dreamblood series.  It was published in 2012 and a second book was due out in 2013.

Although I love to read Jemisin's books, I have to admit to having some difficulty figuring out the worlds she creates.  Reading this one might have been easier if I'd discovered the Glossary in the back of the book before I started reading it versus after I'd finished it!  Jemisin does such a good job of creating an alternate world that it is like reading a foreign language in English at times.

"The Killing Moon" is set in the ancient city-state of Gujaareh and revolves around the ruling Prince and his only surviving sibling - a brother, Ehiru.  While the Prince rules, Ehiru is a "Gatherer" - one of those responsible for enforcing Hananja's law.  The principle tenet of this law is peace.  Gatherers are responsible for culling the final dream that occurs at the moment of death because it is useful for bringing peace.

In carrying out his duties, Ehiru discovers something amiss in Gujaareh and he can't continue to carry out his duties without further investigation.  However, that puts his own life at risk as well as the lives of anyone around him.  As he uncovers a plot to threaten the peace, it will lead to a showdown with his brother, the Prince, as well as an attempt to stave off a war.

Now that I've clued you in about the glossary at the end of the book, you have an opportunity read it with much more understanding all along rather than trying to puzzle it out on your own like I did!  Learn more about this author at www.nkjemisin.com and read her humorous self-interview at the end of this book.   pazt