Book Review: Banner of Souls

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Banner of Souls     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Liz Williams
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Bantam, Oct 2004, $6.99, 430 pp.

In the far distant future, the surface of Earth is almost totally destroyed with most of the remaining survivors living under the sea. Mars is thriving, but few men live there and these are considered freaks. Women rule with an iron hand. Most people on Mars believe they are the mother planet and earth is the colony.

Martian warrior Dreams-of- War is sent to earth to guard a special child Lunae, who has the ability to shift through time. Yskaterina of Nightworld on the edge of the galaxy is sent to kill the child. The Kami scientists who were able to separate mind from body want to hosts so that they can explore the physical realm again. Lunae tries to stop them while Dreams of War and Yskaterina fight to the death over the only person who can save humanity in the war that is coming.

In BANNER OF SOULS earth is a bleak place with no hope for much of a future while Mars feels optimistic about is outlook. There are various subplots that add complexity to the tale and at times make it difficult to follow, but each one enhances the prime theme as they seamlessly merge into the story line. The characters are incredible as they are believable products of their environment coming from varying societies so that though the reader may not understand motivations, we can comprehend that consistency of each key player as decisions are made from a respective societal values’ set. Futuristic sci fi fans will appreciate this powerful novel.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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