[close] On the parallel world of Nextdoor, the Filoby Testament predicts the coming of D'ward the Liberator, who is to bring death to Zath, God of Death. Edward Exeter has done all he can to dodge the prophecy, but it is inescapable: he must become the Liberator or the world he has come to love will be despoiled. Fortunately, Edward has been reared to meet challenges and to lead, and so, growing more powerful every day with mana from his followers, he sets out to confront Zath. Although the people of Nextdoor welcome the Liberator, Edward's friends from Earth have mixed feelings about him, and the other gods of Nextdoor aren't pleased about his rivalry. Can Edward bring down an entire pantheon? And what will he put up in its place?

Dave Duncan's writing could be fuelled by mana from his growing numbers of fans; this trilogy is a satisfying, entertaining fantasy. [close]