In the jungle kingdom of Hallandren, a rebellion against the gods who rule them has been
crushed. Its leader, an Awakener named Vahr, is hung naked by his wrists in the dungeon. Vasher,
another Awakener, desires the Breaths Vahr held. In exchange for these Breaths, Vasher promises
to get Vahr out of his prison. He cuts Vahr's throat, stopping the torture.
Meanwhile, things are coming to a crisis in the mountain kingdom of Idris. The treaty the king
signed with Hallandren twenty years ago is coming due. The king, Idris, must send his eldest
daughter to be the bride of Hallandren's god king, Susebron. If he doesn’t, there will be war,
a war Idris could never win. Vivenna has trained for this moment all her life, and is packing
to leave. But her father can't bear to send her away.
Vivenna is the perfect daughter. She is disciplined enough to keep her royal locks a serene
black no matter how she feels. She is in control of herself in all situations. If war comes,
the king needs her at home. His second daughter is a monk in the temple of Austre. That leaves
the rebellious and undisciplined youngest daughter, Siri. Perhaps she'll settle down when she
is a wife and mother.
Warbreaker is the kind of book that you never want to put down. The action starts on
page one and never lets up. All of the characters are fully human, even the Returned, who are
revered as gods. Perfect Vivenna is jealous of Siri, and feels useless now that Siri has been
sent to Susebron. Siri is frightened, but breaks all the rules. It is that characteristic that
lets her succeed where Vivenna would not. The Hallandren god, Lightsong, doesn't believe he
is a god.
There is room for a sequel, though none has been announced. If you love fantasy, dig into
Warbreaker. It's a winner.