Russell Kirkpatrick's passion for both literature and mapmaking has led to the creation of the amazing world of Faltha in his Fire of Heaven trilogy. The first book in this trilogy, Across the Face of the World has held me spellbound with the beautiful landscapes and exciting events.

Across the Face of the World introduces us to Leith and his crippled brother, Hal, who are much more than what they seem initially. When their parents were captured by the terrifying and merciless Bhrudwans because of some critical information that it seems Mahnum, their father, knows, Leith and Hal go on a long and exciting quest to save their parents and their world, from the destructive forces of the Undying Man, also known as the Destroyer.

Joining them is the village head, known only as the Haufuth, an old cantankerous farmer, Kurr, and Stella, a young girl who Leith has feelings for. Along the way they meet with some other people who join their Company, as their group comes to be known, and many others who help them on their way. They also meet many who aren't friendly, and some who want them dead. The Company have to face many battles and challenges on their quest before they can achieve what they set out to do, and Across the Face of the World see them going through and growing through these challenges.

The first thing which struck me about Kirkpatrick's Across the Face of the World is that the scenery descriptions are extremely vivid and enchanting. The author's knowledge of geography and mapmaking obviously play a huge part in the creation of the world of Faltha. The descriptive passages painted wonderful images in my head of how beautiful the landscape must be, and I reread many of those passages to get a clearer picture in my mind of Faltha.