Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher

Jim Butcher is well known for his urban fantasy series "The Dresden Files," which was developed into a short-lived but entertaining television show. His "Codex Alera" series is pure fantasy, taking place in a realm where people bond with elemental spirits called “Furies” in childhood or adolescence, and are able to call upon their powers to accomplish feats of magic. I recently listened to Furies of Calderon, the first book in the series, which I borrowed from Library2Go in MP3 format.

Tavi is a fifteen year old boy who lives on his uncle’s steadholt, kind of a frontier fortress where the holder is the law. He is considered a freak by many because he has no Fury yet, but his uncle treats him with respect and is willing to give him a chance to follow his dream.

Amara is a young woman who is becoming a Cursor, which seems to be a combination mailman/diplomat/spy/special-ops position. She’s on her graduation mission with her favorite teacher, Fidelius, investigating reports of a buildup of rebel military power in a part of the country distant from the capital.

Tavi lets his uncle down for the sake of a girl who doesn’t even like him; Fidelius lets Amara down for the sake of a lost ideal. Amara and Tavi are both propelled into the machinery of what could be a savage bloodbath, nearly losing their lives and everything they love.

Butcher's solid world-building and willingness to take his characters to the brink in vivid, visceral detail make this an outstanding book, and I’m eager to read the rest of the series-- we got the sixth one in not too long ago. For those considering listening rather than reading, Kate Reading is an excellent narrator, but the library does have the series in book form as well.