Echoes of the Great Song

Echoes of the Great Song (2002) is a fantasy novel written by David Gemmell.

Plot summary

The Avatars were immortal and lived like kings - even though their empire was dying. Their immortality was guaranteed by magic crystals, crystals whose influence was now waning, overwhelmed by the power of a great flood and a freak ice age. But when two moons appeared in the sky, and the ruthless armies of the Crystal Queen swarmed across the land, bringing devastation and terror, the Avatars united with their subjects to protect their universe.

The story is set in the world of the Avatars - an immortal race of human gods, undying. Their empire was destroyed when the seas upturned, and now their original world is underneath the ice. A few - around 200 - escaped when one of the spiritual leaders, Questor Anu, predicted the fall of the world. The group of 200 moved north from the city of Parapolis, to the city of Pagaru. The day after they arrived, the world was turned upside down, and Questor Anu gained the title of The Holy One.

The Avatars rely upon magic crystals to keep them alive and healthy. Their power is fading, however, and an expedition attempts to recharge power chests. They succeed - partly - charging four of the six chests. The chests are used to power the only Avatar ship, the Serpent Seven, as well as recharge the primary Avatar weapons - the zhi-bow.

The Avatar main weapon is the zhi-bow, a bow that shoots the equivalent of plasma bolts.

A secret rebellion is beginning in the cities among the Vagars. The group calls themselves the Pajists - a group set out to see the fall of the Avatar.

There are greater problems for the Avatar and the people with them, however. The armies of the Almeia, are on their way from the seas to complete a "transition of power" with the Avatars. Now, the Avatars must unite with their subjects to fight the dark and bloody forces of the Crystal Queen.