Two early novels in one volume. As with most of Tepper's novels, the plot concerns social issues, religion and class structure. Cover blurb: "Come to a world distant in time and space, a world where the pace of life is counted by tides of the great River, but where, as in the river itself, there are swift dark currents flowing under a placid surface. -- Meet Pamra Don, a young woman scarred by her mother's death, lured to a priesthood where the truth must be hidden from the faithful. And meet Thrasne, a young boatman who trades from town to town, free from the iron control of the Towers of the Awakeners, and the priests of the world of the River -- free, that is, as long as he never speaks his mind. These two, by design and accident both, are about to discover many truths. -- And on the Northshore of the River, the truth can kill you."

As indicated above, the story takes place on an unnamed world circled by The Great River which separates two landmasses. The northern landmass, Northshore, is populated by humans and Thraish, an avian species. The two species, especially their leadership, have a somewhat parasitic relationship with each other -- the Thraish provide a life-extending elixir for the elite priesthood, and the priesthood provides food for the Thraish. But all is not well on Northshore. An underground resistance movement is disrupting the food supply; and a young priestess has discovered the truth about her religion. Both of these have far reaching consequences which change life on Northshore forever.

Engaging characters, some very nice imagery. Recommended. ( )