The High Priest and the Idol by Jane Fletcher
The Fourth Book in the Lyremouth Chronicles Crosses Magic and Faith
Sep 27, 2009
The Lyremouth Chronicles: The High Priest and the Idol follows the journey and relationship of Tevi, a mercenary assassin, and Jemeryl, a sorcerer from the Coven. As they continue to live and learn with one another, they face outside situations that require both Jemeryl's magic and Tevi's strength.
Still on the Outside of Lyremouth
In book four, Tevi and Jemeryl still face opposition from the Coven and from the Guilds because of their relationship. Not because they are both women (as the vast majority of the Protectorate are at least bi-sexual) but rather because of the power inequity. As a sorcerer, Jemeryl is considered far above Tevi in status, and those who surround Tevi can’t trust someone who would willingly consort with a sorcerer.
In this way, Fletcher shows the social inequality that comes with a government type hierarchy. And while showing this injustice, she also shows what might happen without one in place. The question is raised whether it is better to be a sorcerer, and in control of everything, or a layperson, who can choose faith because they do not know any better. It is the source of tension between not only the people of the town they are trying to save, but between Tevi and Jemeryl as well. It is an excellent way of showing the complexity of social organization, while allowing the story to flow easily.
Faith vs. Government
The crux of this novel is the tension between religion and government as well as between religion and magic. Those who do not believe are the ones who can see the six dimensions of magic and make use of them. They "know" there is no deity because they themselves can control the elements around them. Those who do believe do not have the power to see beyond the physical before them, and therefore choose a sect to believe in.
Fletcher delves into the issue of whether government has the right to dictate people's beliefs in order to keep them safe, or whether, left to their own devices, the masses are better left to worship as they will and make their own mistakes without interference.
Characters Tevi and Jemeryl take this emotional political journey together, and although they disagree with one another more than once, the bond of love and respect they have developed triumphs over any complex situation.
Also subtly touched on are the very grey areas of right and wrong. One character does everything wrong in the name of creating peace, but creates death and chaos instead. One character does evil, horrible things, but does so out of a zealous devotion to her faith. While Tevi and Jemeryl argue the fine points of both sides, there is clearly no true answer but one: revenge is never the answer, no matter the provocation.
The Author
Jane Fletcher lives in a small village in the south-west of England. Even though she dreamt of being an architect while she was growing up, she works as a software engineer and writes fiction. Her other series, The Celaeno Series, is also a journey through a fantastic world with strong women. She has won a GCLS Award and has been shortlist for the Gaylactic Spectrum and Lambda Literary Awards.
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