"refreshing fantasy based on the African mythos"
On the Sahara Plains, in spite of being the niece of their
King Mseluku Karamoke, her Dasa of the Imbu tribe always
held Jeneba Karamoke in contempt because her sire is a
shapeshifting leopard man. Still Jeneba is a loyal strong
warrior woman and would die for the Dasa, especially her
family. However her prayers to become accepted through
brave deeds fail, even when she rescues her warrior peers
including her uncle from monstrous half-human cannibals,
because everyone blames her for their original plight
instead of the man who failed the tribe, Tomo Silla.
Ironically Tomo's action, including his disappearance, has
turned him into a martyred hero instead of a betraying
deserter. Outraged and disappointed, Jeneba decides she must find
Tomo and force him to speak the truth to the Dasa. She
begins her personal mission, but instead she finds she must
lead losers on a quest to save the people of the missing
city of Yagana that abruptly vanished; failure means the
end of life as she knows it on the Sahara plains. THE LEOPARD'S DAUGHTER is a terrific refreshing fantasy
based on the African mythos. The location and the various
fantastic species make for a vastly different quest that
readers will appreciate. Jeneba is a wonderful protagonist
who must save the world she knows when all she wants is to
prove herself worthy to her people. Her companions are
delightful as there are not heroic Tolkien heroes, but
instead include Tomo and a half-man who should be her
enemy. A solid short science fiction murder
mystery "Afterburn" is included though it is seemingly out
of place with the prime tale as a bonus that showcases the
vast talent of Lee Killough. Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted April 11, 2006
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted January 24, 2007
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