Barrow — John Deakins

BARROW is the first of a continuing fantasy series. It introduces the free-wheeling city setting and the protagonists who will drive the series. Behind the scenes, a powerful, ancient magician (the Old Man) manipulates the city and its people, but is torn by doubts that he should b e doing so. He must battle his own warped son to save the city, and then save a drunken adventurer as a result. That leads him to encounters with a tough slum girl and an upright gate guard. He watches as the Prince saves the city without him, and as a toothless former thief finds his dream. Barrow entrepreneurs create the new power of distillation, also without him, but exploring Barrowmen discover a threat from beyond the mountains that may destroy all, including the Old Man.