This is the most amazing fantasy series. The heroes and villains are poets who harness the power of ideas into flesh that they control and these seething ideas are the andat who want nothing more than to not exist. Through four books, Abraham tells the tale of Otah and Maati and their families and their world. Each book is 15 years after the one before, so we meet Otah at 15, 30, 45 and 60. And we see how the world has changed in technology, trade, even language. The language includes postures to indicate shadings of words and to speak silently. I love the feminism of this story. Eiah, Idaan, Kyani are all such strong women, in a society that does not grant agency to women easily. None of the characters are always hero or villain. I am trying not to add any spoilers because this is a series worthy of your time and attention. I can't wait to read more of his books, or just these all over again.