Throne of the Crescent Moon (Saladin Ahmed)

While touching most of the themes of classic fantasy - a magic throne with secret powers, dark wizardry drawing its power from pain and fear, holy warriors bound by sacred oaths - Ahmed does so in a way that is fresh and interesting. The story has a strong middle-eastern sensibility that is a pleasant change from the British feel of most, and the main characters are satisfyingly flawed. Secondary characters are sometimes two-dimensional, but the story carried me forward. This is the first of a series, and I expect to read more.