‘Duster’ is the phenomenal new fantasy novel from Adam Stemple, The subject of dead gods has been presented to readers before, but never told quite like this. Adam has a gift for storytelling, weaving his words around you and ensnaring you in his world.

There was war, and oddly enough, the Gods were losing. The Galloch, a race of giants, was winning. To turn the tide, the Gods were forced into creation - the Illenthrell from stone, Duarsteri from cats, and mankind from young Haggan’s own hands. And so the battle was won, at least temporarily. But the Gods’ creations turned on each other.

Mika is long retired from the King’s Own army, when marching and fighting the Duarsteri, or ‘Dusters’ kept him busy. He has happily settled into this calmer existence, running a tavern with his lovely wife Jehannna in the town of Cairburn, watching as his three sons grow into men. Life is good and Mika is content, for the most part.

The happy picture is torn apart when a Duster half-breed comes seeking the couple’s middle son, Ferran. The Duster doesn’t ask nicely, and Mika finds himself forced to use his wits to get rid of his assailant. Then comes the immediate question, why is a Duster looking for Ferran?! The boy is known to be a bit of a party animal, enjoying his ale and the very addictive Mad Apple. For the life of him, Mika cannot figure it out. He immediately goes in search of his son, hoping to find him before anyone, or anything, else does.

One of the first stops is the local den of darkness, run by Gair, Mika’s best friend and army mate. Gair offers prostitution and gaming, alcohol and Mad Apple, anything to suit the clients vices - but no help for Mika. Although… as he continues his search, Mika is rather clumsily followed by one of Gair’s working ladies, who tells him that his friend desires a night time meeting. Mika wonders at all the secrecy surrounding the meeting, and why Gair couldn’t have just told him what he knew. Little does he know that this almost perfect world is about to be spun around, torn inside out and upside down, then blasted apart at the seams!

A tale rich with imagery, action and love; the kind a bard would love to put to tune. It’s a rollicking great read from start to finish! ( )