Two great empires have been at war for the better part of five centuries, but have perhaps at last agreed to make peace with each other. In an epic fantasy that explores the complex relationships between the two major powers and other players in this conspiratorial tale, author Robert V.S. Redick follows the journey of a massive warship and its odd combination of passengers and crew, ostensibly sent on a mission of peace. With characters and plot twists that include a reluctantly betrothed admiral's daughter, sentient animals, witches, mermaids and a powerful ancient artifact, The Red Wolf Conspiracy seems to have some flavor of the fantastical for everyone.
Redick (a former writer for the Valley Advocate), has received glowing reviews for his debut novel, including high praise from fellow authors such as Don D'Ammassa (Scarab and The Encyclopedia of Fantasy and Horror) and Terry Brooks (best known for the Shannara series). The world he's created has been hailed as both gripping and deliciously fleshed-out, and his work has been compared in reviews to luminaries in the genre such as China Mieville and Phillip Pullman. Redick reads from and signs copies of his novel this week in Amherst.
May 1, 8 p.m., Amherst Books, 8 Main St., Amherst, (413) 256-1547, www.amherstbooks.com.
