Every Thursday, Nathan at Fantasy Review Barn leads a group of fellow bloggers on “Tough Travels”, a trip through the tropes that populate the fantasy and sci-fi world, using Diane Wynne Jones’ hilarious The Tough Guide to Fantasyland as a guide.

This week’s subject is “Dead Gods”:

Running a couple days late, because reasons. Actually I’m up to my neck preparing for the writing onslaught that is Phoenix Comicon, so I’m going to be lean and late this week. I may not make the journey next week (but I’m going to try!)

Torak— Enchanter’s End Game by David Eddings

In the words of Monty Python, “He’s not dead, he’s resting.” Torak was the Dragon God of the Angarak people, who lead them into battle against the kingdoms of the West, only to be slain on the battlefield at Vo Mimbre by Brand. Or so they thought. Turns out he was merely asleep, waiting for Belgarion to rise and take up the Orb of Aldur and the Sword of the Rivan King. But Belgarion finished the job, of course, slaying Torak in his decaying tomb at Cthol Mishrak.

The Divinities— City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett

The majestic city of Bulikov was built and fueled by the power of the Divinities, the ancient Gods that helped Bulikov conquer the continent and enslave the Saypuri people. But the Saypuri rose up and assassinated the Divinities, throwing off the yoke of oppression and destroying Bulikov in the “Blink”, the instant when all the divine magic disappeared. Well not quite all. Seems that there may still be some Divinities lurking around somewhere, and the Bulikovian people aren’t quite ready to stop worshipping their dead Gods.

That’s all I’ve got this week. Here’s some Nine Inch Nails to make up for it….

—Michael Senft