The Forgotten Gemstone
Ule lives as an ex-convict among her people, a race of trans-dimensional worldbuilders known as the Xiinisi. Tired of feeling like an outsider, she withdraws into a world of her own making, unaware that she’s embarking on a journey of self-discovery and profound transformations of body, mind, and spirit that will see her evolve from an unlikable, impetuous young being into someone—and something—far beyond what anyone could have ever imagined…
A Xiinisi Trilogy: Book One
Shunned by her peers and spurned by a love interest, Ule retreats into Elish, a world she built for escape and amusement during her incarceration as a child, only to discover her sanctuary isn’t as it should be: an old friend is dead, a mysterious force blocks her way back to her realm, and then the impossible—demons walk the Root Dimension.
After an encounter with the demon Istok, Ule awakens unable to remember who or what she is. Again, the world is not as she remembers it. As Elishians recover from a hundred-year war, Ule searches for clues to her identity in a world she had designed to make herself forget.
True nature is impossible to forget.
Alternate Covers
Reader Reviews
Although I must admit to being one of those unempathetic readers (I found Ule to be a passion-addled nitwit), I did appreciate the novel’s focus on the responsibilities of creators towards their creations. Although the details are vague, the Xiinisi as a whole mandate considerate treatment of the beings they call into existence. Granted, this is a theme that goes back to Frankenstein, the very roots of the genre, but there is a tendency in F&SF towards autocracy. Ule might expect to be revered by her creation, but the novel makes it clear that Ule has made a misstep—both in the eyes of her own people and in the eyes of author and readers.
—James Nicoll, James Nicoll Review
There is a true shimmer of shapeshifting in the essence of the narrative: just as Ule can change her form at will (and has it changed for her), so Daven keeps the story morphing so subtly that it is only in retrospect that you can see that there was a plan and purpose all along.
—Jen Frankel, author of Undead Redhead
The surface level story about a lonely and rather lost world maker with amnesia trying to get back to something resembling happiness was well done, but what gets this novel my five stars is how much more there is to the tale… For someone whose created worlds and lived for who knows how long, Ule is incredibly human and I love her for it.
—Kerri
It reminded me in some ways of books from the 70’s, the Silurian series, or some shades of Tanith Lee. It’s central premise has a race of beings who are functionally gods, though seen through a sci-fi lens. Like say the Q of Star-trek, though even more limited by the realities of physics.
—Wise Owl
The concept of the Xiinisi as world-builders is really interesting, and I enjoyed their unique perspectives. There’s queer representation in this book which is always a plus (although in-universe, there’s not really a concept of “queer”, which is also refreshing).
—Rai
Kit stays well away from formulaic writing, allowing the mysteries and characters to evolve in a way that keeps the reader engrossed and fascinated.
—Amazon Customer