The Waterborn
Click here to see the new cover image (Open Road Media, 2015).
Locus Award nominee 1997.
The River flowed through all the land, deep and unstoppable, a god in his own right. His head was in the mountains; his arms embraced the outlands; his body lay at the core of all the civilized realms; and his legs stretched on to the distant sea. Dark and sluggish, he rolled unchallenged, dreaming his own invincible might and glory into stark reality.
Everywhere he touched, the River God held dominion. And in Nhol, the fabled city at the heart of the world, an emperor ruled as the living aspect of the god, presiding over the splendors and intrigues of a prosperous land and a glittering court.
Hezhi was an imperial princess; her blood carried the seeds of the River's power. When her favorite cousin disappeared, Hezhi searched throughout the sumptuous palace with its ghosts and priests, giants and courtiers, and frightening creatures of wizardry. And the magic within her began to grow; soon it must attract dangerous attention. Hezhi's anxious quest ripened into a desperate fight for her own life — a battle she could not hope to win alone.
Small wonder that the princess wished for a hero.
And far away, a hero's journey began...
Perkar was a chieftain's son from the distant highlands. Because he had loved unwisely, he had sworn to slay the dreadful River God. Because he was a man of honor, he set off to fulfill his rash vow, even at the cost of his life.
But Perkar's mission had scarcely begun when unrelenting forces propelled him into terrible dangers among dangerous friends and deadlier foes. Even if he should survive, fate would lure him on, to a distant realm, an exotic princess, and a destiny of blood...
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Greg Keyes
Greg Keyes doesn’t just write fantasy—he builds mythologies that feel like they’ve existed for centuries. His worlds are intricate, his characters fierce with purpose, and his stories hum with the tension between ancient forces and deeply human choices. Whether he’s delving into dynastic battles in The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone or breathing new life into beloved universes like Star Wars or The Elder Scrolls, Keyes brings a scholar’s mind and a storyteller’s soul to every page.
Chosen of the Changeling
Chosen of the Changeling consists of two books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Reviews and Comments
The Waterborn is a great fantasy book for adults. When I read The Waterborn, I was surprised how well it was created and written. It felt like a breath of fresh air, which was very nice. The plot was good, the characters were interesting and there was enough depth. I think that Greg Keyes knows how to write about certain things (culture etc.) and he has a talent for charming his readers with his writing. I think that The Waterborn is adult fantasy at its best. If you're interested in a not so typical fantasy book, you must read The Waterborn.