Ella HansenFour books set in the Telian Commonwealth, a confederation of seaside kingdoms with a vaguely classical/early-modern aesthetic, in a world with no rel…moreFour books set in the Telian Commonwealth, a confederation of seaside kingdoms with a vaguely classical/early-modern aesthetic, in a world with no relation to our own (but no magic or fantastical creatures, either). The story follows the young high priest Cairod through the reigns of three powerful warlords, as he struggles against corrupt elites, a complacent and divided priesthood, warmongering rulers, and his own spiritual doubts. Meanwhile, Arrond, the adopted younger son of a peripheral warlord-pretender, works his way through a priestly school, pursuing his philological interests and growing into a political role mired in controversy.(less)
When I began this series many months ago, I did not intend to offer any focused critique of any existing fantasy works; nor did I intend to offer (beyond my initial thoughts on God in fantasy) anything like a prescription for how to approach religion in writing. I am suggesting things one might imagine and, in so doing, criticizing certain failures of imagination, not saying what anyone ought to
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