Time: The Immortal Divide by KS Turner (The Chronicles of Fate and Choice: Book 3)

9/10

Time: The Immortal Divide is the third and final instalment in K. S. Turner’s speculative fiction series, The Chronicles of Fate and Choice. As is often the case with trilogies, having read the previous two novels is not essential but it is strongly recommended - you’ll simply miss out on too much context by jumping in at book three. So, if you are new to this series, it would be best to read our review on book one, Before the Gods.

I have been highly impressed by Turner’s trilogy throughout. I’ve loved the ambition, the attempt to bring something fresh to the genre and I’ve also liked the style, the pacing and the thoughtfulness imbued throughout the work. As I wrote in a previous review I find that Turner writes with a spare elegance and have continually enjoyed the innovative use of colours to create strong mental imagery. The narrative provokes thought whilst managing to remain entertaining and it is a book that successfully crosses many sub-genres: science fiction, speculative fiction, alternate history, fictional creation - it is impossible to pigeon-hole and this is a very good thing indeed.

Here is the synopsis from the book: This world and all worlds are fated to end. The prophet, Jychanumun, has tried to prevent it. He has spent millennia walking between life and death to find a way. The powerful Shaa-kutu have tried to prevent it. They have fought with wits and weapons and given their all. Despite their best, nothing seems capable of stopping the formidable Arrunn from completing his final fateful move. So, can Tachra change that fate? Tachra stands between shadow and light. She has no tools or weapons, only the Earth power and true-vision. Perhaps her fellow humans will ascend to greater knowledge and unlock a new discovery. Or, if she can decipher the Book of Fate, perhaps that will hold a key to saving them all. But when that last prophecy comes, will she make the right choice? After all, that fate has already been written: "If any survive, it will be known as the three day darkness. If none survive, the darkness will swallow all."

The narrative within Time: The Immortal Divide is compelling and the themes explored include creation and what being human actually means. It is an original piece of work featuring wonderful characters who are easy to connect with but above all else it is something out of the ordinary in a genre that can so often be stale and bland. The three books that make up the series will certainly find and connect strongly with their audience and anyone who does not read these books will miss out on something truly unique. It is an imaginative tour-de-force from Kate-Sarah Turner and one I would highly recommend to readers around the world.