In Beyond the Father, the opening novel of the planned eight-part scifi/fantasy epic series Gods on Trial by Opëshum Patroz, readers are first introduced to the intricately crafted world of Xżyber. This novel is an unusual blend of science fiction technology and sweeping fantasy kingdom elements, creating an intriguing world with complex, layered conflicts.
The narrative moves from place to place, highlighting different storylines occuring in this world, and showing readers different aspects of life on Xzyber. The overall feeling is an onimous but exciting atmosphere of upcoming change for this planet, although each character and situation is different. In one part of the world, a powerful royal family receives slavish devotion from their subjects, based on a religion that demands unquestioning obedience. But young Prince Anglid wonders if maybe this system is all a mistake, and there’s a different way to live. This is both an intriguing fantasy hook, and a relatable human feeling — what young person hasn’t questioned their parents’ lifestyle? who hasn’t wondered if there might be a better and different way to live?
In another place on Xżyber, Mollards are enhanced constructs, who become powerful, successful soldiers, with or without having emotions installed. Mollards see themselves as higher and better than their organic, human life. Again, we have that blend of genre and wider questions, with a science-fiction hook about organics and non-organics, and a wider human question about the value of our emotions and the importance of work.
Throughout the planet, the valuable Teal oil is always in high demand, and this need for a rare substance creates and increases other conflicts. This helps to show the interconnectedness of the various characters and factions of Xzyber, and increase the feeling of instability and coming change. The need for essential Teal oil leads to questions of access to resources and discussion of inequality and exploitation — all set in this fictional world, of course, but with wider implications.
In this novel, Patroz creates a variety of flawed characters, and sets their paths into conflict. Without spoilers, there are a few times when both characters in an argument are relatable on some level. There are complicated relationships between, often blending family affection with a deep lack of understanding and disparate goals. There’s enough resolution to make this installment feel satisfying, but there are still unresolved questions for the rest of the series.
Since this is the first novel in an epic series, it makes sense to devote time to introducing the customs and values of this world. Patroz has a delicate, contemplative writing voice that works well for this worldbuilding. This is a carefully crafted fictional world, and there’s just not enough time in one book to explore all the intricacies of life on Xzyber. The setting can definitely be explored further in the upcoming seven more books in the Gods on Trial series, there’s so much more Xzyber to explore!
More book blogger reviews of Beyond the Father Book 1 of the Gods on Trial series by Opeshum Patroz.