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Both Servant of the Underworld and its author, Aliette de Bodard were brand new to me when I cracked the book cover. When I at last put the book down, I went straight to Bodard's website to see what other works she might have released, or when her next title might be coming out. Servant of the Underworld is her debut novel, though she has some short fiction published in notables such as Asimov's and Interzone. She's a Campbell Award finalist, and placed in the Writers of the Future contest as well. Quite the strong coming out for this first time novelist.
Servant of the Underworld is a tale of adventure and horror, set back in the time of the Aztec, with their complicated mythology, blood sacrifices, and names that I wouldn't even want to try pronouncing out loud for fear of spraining my tongue.
In the opening chapter, we are introduced to Acatl, High Priest of the Dead, who tries to maintain a quiet, if not entirely peaceful existence within his temple. He holds vigils for the deceased, ensuring their proper passage into whatever afterlife they are destined for (most often determined by the god or goddess they served in life). His latest service is interrupted by news that his brother, a heralded warrior, has been arrested for the murder of a priestess who was set to become a royal concubine. This sparks an investigation that forces Acatl to strip away the illusions he has set up both in his life and in his mind. He has to face the uncomfortable realization that few things in life are as simple as he's deceived himself into believing, and that even the people closest to him are nigh unto strangers.
The book starts out a slow, steady pace and builds momentum from there. It's not some huge action scene that hooks you. It's the atmosphere. The blood spilled to gain favor from the gods. The cultural details Bodard infuses in each moment. The characters snag your attention next, each with their own agenda they want to enforce on Acatl, even as the priest struggles to stay out of the political and power-hungry maneuverings everyone seems consumed by. Acatl himself is far from perfect, preferring to try and ignore trouble until he has no other choice but to deal with it. And his choices in life that have led him to his current position are far from noble. .
Some readers might be put off by the slower pacing, or the more confusing aspects of the Aztec culture that you are thrust in to. In a few spots, the casual use of magic and interaction with supernatural deities does come across almost as banal or underwhelming, though this does do a good job of portraying a culture steeped in otherworldly business in every aspect of life. Servant of the Underworld certainly doesn't worry about explaining too much right away, and figures you're going to learn as you go and experience the story. But for those who enjoy mythology, subtle horror, and even "detective" stories, Servant of the Underworld blends these elements into a unique story. Fortunately, it's labeled the first book in the Obsidian and Blood series, so hopefully we'll be seeing Bodard's next release soon. Looks like book 2 is called Harbinger of the Storm. Sounds...peaceful.
Here's a video trailer for Servant of the Underworld as well.
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