Pam Uphoff has created an excellent SF series in the Wine of the Gods, starting with Outcast and Gods. Although it is science fiction, it has a fantasy feel, as the genetically engineered protagonists can manipulate the universe around them in a way that looks like magic.
I just recently read the latest, The Dark Lady. Although it is part of a series, I have read them out of order, so I can say it stands by itself well if you haven’t read any of the others. She builds a richly created world of exiled humans, who have lost their technology and most memories of what came before their exile and how they came to be where they are.
One thing I really love about her work are the well-formed characters who come to life, living and laughing and falling in love through adversity. For instance, genetically engineered magic enables the Dark Lady to be a superhero, while still having vulnerabilities and human quirks that keep her endearing. The baby helps, too… I’m a sucker for families in my stories, as my own readers will know!
As part of the series, it brings a character back that had been lost early on, and that was a good thing to read about, and chuckle in satisfaction as he re-united with friends and enemies. Whether you begin at the beginning, or somewhere in the middle, Pam’s stories are worth the read.
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