REVIEW 'Heresy' is first part of teen's sci-fi trilogy

The author weaves a tale of magic and intrigue.
"Heresy," by Anselm Audley (Pocket Books, $25).
By AMANDA SMITH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
At 17, most people are either looking for work or starting college. Anslem Audley decided to write an epic science fiction trilogy.
& quot;Heresy & quot; is the first book of that trilogy. Combining David Eddings-like political intrigue and a fresh new blend of fantasy, Audley makes his mark on the science fiction genre with the first installment of what promises to be a fascinating trilogy.
The book centers around Cathan, heir of Clan Lepidor in the water world Aquasilva. At the book's outset, Cathan and his people are celebrating the discovery of iron on their lands. Cathan races to tell his father, Count Lepidor, who is at a conference halfway around their world, the good news.
On the first of many journeys, intrigue sets in when Cathan's submarine is attacked, he is detained en route to the city of Taneth, and he begins to recognize the Domain as his enemy.
Explanation: Two governments dominate Aquasilva: a loosely federated secular government based on inheritance and monarchy, and a well-organized theocracy called the Domain. The Domain, with its holy warriors the Sacri, bases its power on magical capabilities drawn from the fire-god, Ranthas.
The Domain has outlawed all other religions, even though Cathan learns there were once five elemental sects with strong followings in his world.
During his journey, he will find himself drawn to the ways of the Forbidden cults: those of Thetis, goddess of water; Ragnar, god of Shadow; Hyperias, god of the earth; Althana, goddess of winds; and Phaetan, god of light.
About the writing: Audley weaves a rich plot of magic and intrigue that centers on political turmoil and rebellion.
Although his depictions of political maneuverings may, at times, compel the reader to jot down notes to keep everything in order, he creates a rich tapestry showing that human feelings, even when combined with magic, are not a phenomenon restricted to this world.
Every page of every chapter draws the reader into the lives and struggles of Cathan and his friends and allies.
Audley is in his first year at Oxford University. & quot;Heresy & quot; is not the immature, underdeveloped work of most young writers. Through the coming years, his writing should improve and mature. Readers of the trilogy will be treated to an engaging tale told well.