The Reliquary Ring

Set in a quasi-mediaeval future, on an Italianate island city-state, The Reliquary Ring, like its title, is a curiosity. Blurring genre boundaries across fantasy, sci-fi and romance, the novel also features its own idiosyncratic take on Christianity. The eponymous reliquary ring contains one carefully preserved hair of the 'Lord Christos'; possession of the ring and its precious contents drives the plot to its neat conclusion. The novel weaves together the stories of an extensive cast of characters in an unchallenging fable about the eternal battle between good and evil. The question of what it is to be human is also played out through the genics - genetically altered beings who form the city's slave class. Genics are creatures outside God's law, according to the Church. Count Dracone, an evil, corrupt and sadistic nobleman, in the pay of those who create the genics and other bio-engineered lifeforms, plots to take over all the wealth and power in the city-state. Dracone does not just have science on his side, he is also the possessor of foul magic powers and call on demons to do his bidding. Arrayed against him in the fight to save the city and its people are those whose virtue and faith in God enables them to fight back. They are supported by some maverick clerics who want the Church to rethink their position on genics and by a secret population of marine-dwelling genics. Count Leonardo Loredan, an impoverished yet honourable nobleman, is Dracone's main opponent. Also falling foul of the scheming Count are Messire Alessandro, a wealthy merchant, and his human servant, Gianni, as well as Serafina, a young female genic who proves to be wittier, more resourceful and courageous than the noble females whom she is forced to serve because of her sub-human status. The Reliquary Ring is light in scientific veracity but will appeal to those who enjoy heroic romances. (Kirkus UK)