The Daylight War by Peter V. Brett
HarperVoyager, 2013. ISBN 9780007276219.
(Age: Older teen or new adult) Recommended. Peter V. Brett has
written a very clever and entertaining dystopian novel, where humans
struggle in a harsh environment against demons learning how to
survive and work together. Ultimately this is the story of how two
civilizations, seemingly based on a Muslim and an early
Judeo-Christian culture, fight against a common mindlessly evil
culture.
The clash of the culture also revolves around the myths of the
painted man and the warrior prince, whose stories we follow, as to
who is the true redeemer. Is it Arlen Bales, the painted man, who
shies away from the label of redeemer and rides with his promised
Renna, or Jadir the great leader who has been groomed by his wife,
priestess Inevera? We learn more of the story of these two men and
their lovers, families and wives as they struggle for leadership of
their tribal societies and seek the honour of leading the fight
against, and defeating the demons. The story reaches a head with the
battle against the demons at the fullest waxing of the moon. As the
northern tribesman and the Krasari fight demons, their leaders meet
secretly to battle for their honour, providing us with a stunning
end to the novel.
In writing his story Brett creates two alternative visions of
society and religion and invites the reader to make the obvious
comparisons. He has written strong and interesting characters with
interesting back stories and has made it very hard for the reader to
come to any firm conclusion as to who should be the redeemer. He
keeps us guessing to the end and maintains the suspense and the
ambiguity of the reader's support to either man or his women or his
cause.
I was not aware when I started reading The Daylight War that
it was the third book in a series, following The Painted Man
and The Desert Spear. I am happy to report that it is not
necessary to read either of these novels to follow and enjoy this
novel. This will be a welcome addition to the canon for many readers
and I am sure it will also send many others back to read the earlier
novels. The brilliant ending will ensure that Brett will retain his
readership. This is for the older young adult or the new adult
market and is recommended.
Michael Jongen
Editor's note: I have reviewed The
painted man and thoroughly enjoyed it.