Review: The Race to the Blackened Nevers by Douglas Bain

A new pantheon of fantastic gods is unveiled by author Douglas Bain in The Woeful Wager, the first installment of the The Race to the Blackened Nevers series. Boasting more world-building than some authors attempt in a lifetime, this thrilling new realm is bursting with potential, supported by a passionate writer who demonstrates his deep appreciation and mastery of language.

In a world of mischievous, vengeful and deeply competitive gods, their followers are conniving in their own ways, though most are committed to staying on the good side of the divine. However, when a new race to the edge of existence is proposed, the gods must once again prove their mettle for ultimate bragging rights, and adoration from the morals.

As in Greek mythology, the gods enjoy meddling in the lives of “mortuants,” which allows for an entertaining and plot-driving overlap of human nature and petty immortal whims. However, the relationships are more varied than in classic literature, with some gods having fallen out of favor – with each other and with mortuants – while other sinister deities scheme to retake control or sow chaos. Humans are the essential pawns in this divine struggle, but compelling tools when motivated (or threatened) properly.

Every detail of this world is unique, from the natural element-based language and odd manner of speech to the personality of the pantheon and the subtle magic woven quietly through everything. While it may take time for readers to acquaint themselves with the expansive world and the underlying rules/assumptions, Bain also moves quickly through the story, unafraid of forcing some rapid immersion. Summoning shades of Robert Jordan, Terry Goodkind, and George R.R. Martin, this is an ambitiously broad and complex fantasy realm, but every detail has been considered – military history, cultural norms, city layouts, and religious tensions, just to name a few.

Beneath this dramatic premise of immortal gods and legendary races is also a treasure trove of character development, well-constructed internal narration, artfully chosen asides, brutish and believable dialogue, and a plot that never seems to stop twisting in on itself. Excellent draftsmanship, narrative ordering, and original imagery help to elevate this book far beyond the common fodder of the fantasy genre. Holding so many characters, gods, motives, and belief systems within the same prose is bold, but the author’s confidence shines through. The language is often simple, but carefully chosen and infused with meaning, making this book widely accessible and enjoyable for fantasy lovers of any age.

There is also poetry buried in much of this prose, making this mythological tale Shakespearean in certain ways, while still being widely relatable for those simply seeking a good adventure. A skilled writer can bend his style in myriad ways and genres, and that is the feeling one gets from Bain’s prose. Even in the most procedural moments or basic interactions, there is an economy of words and perpetual focus on moving the story forward.

An invigorating, eye-opening, and wildly creative new series, fans of good fantasy writing should not hesitate to join the race in this endlessly creative, mythological masterpiece of fantasy fiction.