Caitlin Brennan Reviews

Added March 11, 2005

The Mountain's Call

Author: Caitlin Brennan
Publisher: Luna Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: September 2004
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $13.95
ISBN: 0373802102
Author Email/Website: www.sff.net/people/cait-brennan/
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty
Rating: 8.75 Gargoyles

For years beyond count, the White Gods, horses from the sacred Mountain, have danced. Their dances shaping the future's course or keeping it on the same path. To be a Rider is the greatest honor anyone can hold. Every year the Call is sent throughout the land. Heard by young males, nothing else in their life matters except heeding the call. They leave behind their lives, family and friends to try out for the honor of working with and riding the ancient gods. Tested not by fellow Riders but by the White Gods and their mothers, the Called must learn to see patterns, obedience and discipline. In the end, only a mere handful will be chosen.

At first, Valeria didn't believe her sickness was the Call. Only males were called. The longer she waits to head toward the Mountain the worse her symptoms become until she can no longer bear the strain. Disguising herself as a boy to escape detection, she heads for the Mountain and the School of War. Once there, she excels in all tests and is favored by the gods themselves. During the final test, she surpasses all newcomers, performing better than any rider before her. There was no doubt she was Chosen. Then...her secret was revealed.

Shunned because she was female. It didn't matter to the older riders she'd been Chosen, that the White Gods favored her, she wasn't male and therefore couldn't be a Rider.

Enemies of the Aurelian Empire had been looking for a way to subvert the dance and Valeria was the opportunity they'd hoped for. The strongest rider in ages and the gods answered and obeyed her. With her help, the dance would alter the future of Aurelia and the Mountain.

Will she help subvert the Dance? Is her bitterness that great?

Caitlin Brennan has written a powerful story of one woman's journey to find her place in a male-dominated society. She has to be stronger, better, always in control, never allowing her emotions to rule her. This sets the tone for the entire book, leaving the reader wondering what choice Valeria will make right up until the end. The ending successfully draws this part of the tale to amazing and surprising conclusion while leaving the reader impatiently waiting for the sequel.

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