Seeker: Noble Warriors, Book 1 (by William Nicholson)

When his brother is disgraced and cast out of the Nomana, Seeker leaves their island home to find him. Along the way he befriends Morning Star, a girl whose mother left her to become a Noma, and Wildman, a young pirate who wants the power and peace the Nomana offer. Together they travel to the city of Radiance, ruled by priests, where a new weapon is being prepared to destroy the Nomana -- and their god.

An intriguing premise and terrific characterizations mark the beginning of this series by author and Academy Award-nominated screenwriter (Gladiator and Shadowlands) William Nicholson. While there's not a lot of action in this first volume, the intricate and detailed process of setting up this odd little world, encompassing mythologies drawn from several different cultures, is fascinating to read.

The most interesting characters are the secondary ones, especially the hilariously childish and casually murderous Wildman. This is the kind of book that sneaks up on you, having more of an impact a day or two after you finish it. There are several subplots that wind their way through the book like vines and shoots and come twining together at the satisfying climax.