The Birthgrave is one of my favourite novels. I was surprised to discover that it was Tanith Lee's first novel, as it is complex and rich, and very mature. To my mind it is clearly the work of well practised author. There are some that you go back to over and over, and rediscover the little nuances and details that you have forgotten since you last read it. This is one of those, and although it has an outstanding plot, knowing where the story is going never lessens the experience of reading it through again.

It is set in a barbarian society, full of classic sword and sorcery. The main character remains nameless through the story, but is referred to with various nicknames and titles. One of them is Uastis. She fights like a man, with skill and strength, yet spends much of the book overpowered by men. She has terrifying powers, which she cannot use to help her or which desert her at the wrong times.

Uastis is a fascinating character, old and young, cruel and compassionate, she encompasses all potential aspects of herself at some point in the book. She is a product of the society where she lives, and yet she views their innate beliefs about her place as a woman with contempt, even if the woman they see is a Goddess.

Uastis has a quest, she must find her soul-kin the jade. Without it, she will never come into her true power or know herself. Yet she doesn't seem to search for it except when goaded. Seeing a jade necklace, she wants it, even though it is not the jade she seeks. Instead she is thrown about on the whim of others and by circumstance, unable to grasp control long enough to search thoroughly.

Tanith Lee has managed to explore the inner heart of the powerful. In many fantasy novels, the magical and the strong are only visible to us from the outside, their motives incomprehensible. Here Lee has shown the confusion and the despair of Uastis, and her ultimate triumph.

If you never read any other Tanith Lee, read this book.