In the city of Anavatan most people have dedicated themselves to the service of one of the Gods. For any that remain undedicated, the annual Havo's Dance is a time of extreme danger as anyone caught outside at this time will die. Brax and Spar are two young thieves. Taken in by their master Cindar they have been trained to pick pockets – the only means they know to earn money.

It is the second night of Havo's Dance and Brax and Spar are in trouble. Far from their home they are outside as the dance begins and know that they must find cover before it is too late. As they rush to find safety they encounter other street children who also have their eyes on the same safe place. As the winds increase only Brax's impassioned invocation of Estavia saves them but at what price?

Soon Brax and Spar find themselves brought into the temple of Estavia where Brax must train as one of Her priest-warriors and Spar is revealed as a great seer. Soon it becomes clear that these are no ordinary children and they will soon play significant roles in an impending battle but will they be able to harness their abilities in time?

The Silver Lake is the first book in The Warriors of Estavia series and follows the experiences of Brax and Spar as they make the transition from being young pick-pockets into members of the Temple of Estavia. The story is set in a world based fairly closely on modern-day Turkey – indeed; the city of Anavatan feels very similar to Istanbul. It is evident that the author has done considerable research as the similarities are very close and she manages to invoke the true essence of that beautiful country.

This is a beautifully written book. The world that Patton has created revolves around a number of Gods representing Battle, Prophesy, Healing and Arts to name but a few. Each God has a temple dedicated to their worship and the people of the city find themselves destined to pledge their allegiance to one of the deities. But these Gods are not impotent symbols they take active roles in the various battles etc experienced by their people and are known to speak directly to the priests should the situation arise.

Many fantasy tales start well and then seem to lose their way in the middle of the book. This is not the case with The Silver Lake. Fiona Patton has written an addictive story that drags you into the midst of a mythical world and actually makes you care about the characters. Having read the first book of the series I am definitely looking forward to the next volume and if Patton manages to maintain the extremely high standard she has set herself then she will secure her place among the best of her craft. Enchanting, exciting and beautifully written, The Warriors of Estavia series promises great things to come.

Synopsis
In Anavatan, the city of the Silver Lake, where the gods frequently manifest, it's hard to survive if you're not pledged to a deity. When the three-night chaos of Havo's Dance sweeps through the city, the unaffiliated had best find good places to hide-or risk madness and death out on the streets.

But during this year's Dance, street orphans Spar and Brax will discover their destinies: one when he is marked as the future Champion of the War God, and the other as he learns to master his talent as a seer. And their enemy Graize will be cast forth from the city and claimed by hungry spirits-spirits who seek a way into Anatavan and the power of the Silver Lake.