Originally published in the Canberra Weekly on 7 September 2023.
Make sure to check out my extended reviews for The Pit, The Hidden Book and Ordinary Gods and Monsters.
Quick Reviews – Cold People, Code Red and Ordinary Gods and Monsters
In recent weeks, I have been trying to get out reviews of several books I read last year but never got the chance to write anything about. I am hoping to partially rectify that now by publishing quick reviews of three great novels from 2023 I had a fun time reading.
Cold People by Tom Rob Smith
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Trade Paperback – 1 February 2023)
Series: Standalone
Length: 452 pages
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The first book I want to quickly review in this post is Cold People by established author Tom Rob Smith. Cold People was an intriguing science fiction read that presented a very unique scenario to the reader.
Plot Synopsis:
The world has fallen. Without warning, a mysterious and omnipotent force has claimed the planet for their own. There are no negotiations, no demands, no reasons given for their actions. All they have is a message: humanity has thirty days to reach the one place on Earth where they will be allowed to exist… Antarctica.
Cold People follows the journeys of a handful of those who endure the frantic exodus to the most extreme environment on the planet. But their goal is not merely to survive the present. Because as they cling to life on the ice, the remnants of their past swept away, they must also confront the urgent challenge: can they change and evolve rapidly enough to ensure humanity’s future? Can they build a new society in the sub-zero cold?
This was a pretty cool (ha ha) story, although I must admit it went in some directions that I really wasn’t expecting. Based on the synopsis, I was expecting Cold People to primarily show the harrowing journey that many different people would take to get to the safety of Antarctica, which would have made for a great story on its own. Instead, only the first section of the book really showcased this journey, which was honestly a rushed introduction to the whole plot. The rest of the book skips ahead many years and dives into showcasing the ongoing struggles that humanity faces whilst trapped in Antarctica. This part of the book then becomes a cautionary tale about genetic modification as various geneticists work to make humans more adaptable to living in the ice, only to unleash something far more dangerous than the alien threat above.
I honestly had some issues with how Cold People is structured. I felt that this book might have been better if the author had either focused fully on the journey to Antarctica or set it completely in the isolated future and explored the journey in flashbacks for several characters. The focus on genetically enhanced humans was also an interesting choice, and while it was primarily to explore how humans are capable of surviving anything, it felt very unrealistic in places and got way out of hand. It was also odd that you really don’t get to find out anything about the mysterious aliens who caused the human exodus, and you are instead left wondering about who or what they were.
Still, there were some great elements to this book. The genetic antagonists are pretty scary, and Smith does a good job diving into the psychology behind them. I also really loved the author’s intriguing insights into the hostility of Antarctica as a continent and how hard it would be to live on it. The clever way Smith built up the background setting to showcase several ingenious ways that humans could potentially adapt and survive in such a scenario was quite fascinating, and it proved to be a great part of the book. As such, Cold People is an interesting novel to check out, and many readers will appreciate Smith’s ideas about humanity and its strong desire to survive.
Code Red by Kyle Mills (Based on the series by Vince Flynn)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (ebook – 4 October 2023)
Series: Mitch Rapp – Book 22
Length: 352 pages
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The next book I want to highlight here is Code Red by Kyle Mills, which served as the 22nd entry in the long-running Mitch Rapp series that was originally written by the late Vince Flynn. Following a hyperviolent veteran American spy as he goes up against a range of deadly threats in unusual thriller situations, the Mitch Rapp books are a key part of my yearly reading schedule, and I have really enjoyed several of the latest entries, including Red War, Lethal Agent, Total Power, Enemy at the Gates and Oath of Loyalty.
Plot Synopsis:
Mitch Rapp returns to make a mortal enemy of Russia in this high-octane and up-to-the-minute installment in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from “one of the best thriller writers on the planet” (The Real Book Spy).
Mitch Rapp hates owing anyone a favor—especially when it’s the world’s most powerful crime lord. But when Damian Losa calls, Mitch is honor-bound to answer.
The Syrian government appears to have created a highly addictive new narcotic that it plans to distribute throughout Europe. It’s a major threat to Losa’s business and he’s determined to send someone to keep him on top by any means necessary. Rapp is the perfect choice for the mission. Not only does he have extensive experience operating in the Middle East, but he’s also entirely expendable. As he crosses into war-torn Syria, Rapp quickly discovers a shocking truth. The new drug isn’t being produced by Damascus to prop up the government’s collapsing finances. Instead, it was created by Russia’s asymmetrical warfare unit, not for profit but as a weapon against the West.
With far more than Damian Losa’s interests at stake, Rapp devises a desperate plan that forces him and his team onto a battlefield where the United States is virtually powerless and allegiances shift almost hourly. Further, if Russia uncovers their plot, it will set off a confrontation between the two countries that could change the course of human history.
This was another exciting entry in the Mitch Rapp books, although I must admit this book wasn’t my absolute favourite novel in the series. Don’t get me wrong, Mills came up with a very compelling story that thrust the protagonist into some dangerous situations as he attempts to repay his debt to the entertaining crime lord Damian Losa. However, in some ways Code Red is a little by the numbers, especially as we have just come off several impressive reads where Rapp was in some very ridiculous or deadly situations, such as a massive power-outage impacting all of America, or the last two books where Rapp found himself at war with a corrupt US President. An infiltration mission into Syria seems a little tame in comparison, so this might have coloured my appreciation for Code Red a little.
Despite this minor complaint, Code Red was a great action-packed read that showcased Mitch Rapp doing what he does best, infiltrating the Middle East and frustrating Russian plans. There are loads of firefights and intense action scenes scattered throughout this book, and I thought the underlying Russian plot to destroy economies and weaken Western society through an addictive drug was very intriguing, especially as it also featured some dark scenes of exploitation and utilisation. Easily read as a standalone novel or as an entry into the wider Mitch Rapp series, Code Red was a fantastic novel that I managed to get through quickly, and it is well worth checking out.
Ordinary Gods and Monsters by Chris Womersley
Publisher: Picador (Trade Paperback – 29 August 2023)
Series: Standalone
Length: 300 pages
My Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
The final book I want to feature in this post was the excellent Australian novel, Ordinary Gods and Monsters by Chris Womersley.
Plot Synopsis:
It could have been any summer’s evening, but of course it wasn’t.
It was the end of some things, the beginning of so many others.
Nick Wheatley has finished high school, but he isn’t ready for the rest of his life. His parents are getting divorced, his sister is downright weird and his best friend and neighbour, Marion, seems to have acquired a boyfriend.
One hot night, Marion’s father is killed in a hit-and-run. There are no suspects and no leads. But a sly tip from the local psychic sends Nick and Marion into the undertow of a strange and sinister world they hadn’t known existed in the suburbs – one of inscrutable gangsters, speed-dealing bikies and unpredictable, one-eyed conspiracy theorists.
It’s a world they’ll be lucky to survive.
Ordinary Gods and Monsters was a pretty awesome book from Womersley that proved to be one part crime fiction novel, one part Australian coming-of-age story. Following Nick Wheatley, a young teenager in 1980s suburban Melbourne, as he simultaneously deals with life, complex family issues, and his uncertain relationship with his best friend and neighbour Marion. Life becomes even more complicated when he is forced come to terms with the death of Marion’s father. Thanks to a tip from a drug-dealing psychic, Nick finds himself identifying a series of clues that suggest that Marion’s father was murdered, and he takes it upon himself to investigate.
The resulting story is an interesting mixture of elements that will appeal to a range of different readers. Womersley does an excellent job of portraying the life and difficulties of a teenage protagonist, and I loved the protagonist’s very relatable take on the various events, both mundane and unusual, going on around him. This dramatic, 80’s focused, character-driven storyline blends extremely well with the more crime fiction elements of the book, as the protagonist finds himself becoming more and more involved with searching for the person responsible for Marion’s father’s death. His unlikely investigation adds some exciting spice to an already engrossing coming of age tale, and you get drawn into his attempt to find answers.
The result of this plot is very interesting, especially as the reveal about who is behind everything is well handled and compelling. Womersley also adds in a very compelling final sequence, where Nick and Marion find themselves confronting the perpetrators in a dangerous scenario. The conclusion of this confrontation will leave readers wondering about what truly happened, and which I felt was a great end to this book. An overall excellent piece of Australian fiction that I had a great time reading.
The Gathering by C. J. Tudor
Publisher: Michael Joseph (ebook – 16 April 2024)
Series: Standalone/Book One
Length: 412 pages
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Acclaimed author C. J. Tudor continues her excellent run of clever and dark thrillers with the intense, inventive, and gripping horror murder mystery, The Gathering.
C. J. Tudor is a talented and highly inventive author who has been producing some intriguing reads over the last couple of years. Starting with her 2018 debut, The Chalk Man, Tudor has consistently produced some compelling books with clever horror or psychological thriller elements. Her other books include The Hiding Place (also titled The Taking of Annie Thorne), The Other People, The Burning Girls and The Drift. While Tudor’s intriguing novels have often stood out to me, generally because their unique plots, I unfortunately haven’t had the opportunity to read any of her prior works, which is something I really regret. However, this has recently changed as I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Tudor’s latest book, The Gathering, an intriguing murder mystery thriller with some distinctive element behind it.
Welcome to the small town of Deadhart, Alaska, home to a small population of living humans and a colony of vampyrs. Maligned and hunted beings throughout the world, vampyrs in America now have legal protection from unsanctioned killings, as long as they don’t harm any humans. While members of the Colony attempt to stay away from humans, old hatreds, prejudices and grudges rear their ugly head when a young teenager is found murdered with his throat ripped out and his body drained of blood.
Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialist in vampyr killings and physiology, is sent to Deadhart to determine if a vampyr committed the murder and authorise a cull if the Colony is unwilling to hand over the perpetrator. Arriving in the small town, Barbara finds the local inhabitants afraid and angry, looking for vengeance for the death of the boy and determined to wipe out the vampyrs for good, especially as this case bears a striking similarity to a previous killing blamed on the Colony 25 years ago.
Beginning her investigation, Barbara soon discovers that there is far more to the case then initially appears. Much of the evidence has been staged, and no one is willing to tell her the truth about what has really going on in town. When more deaths occurring throughout Deadhart and the town in uproar, Barbara deputises former Deadhart sheriff Jenson Tucker, whose investigation into the previous killings nearly left him for dead.
As Barbara and Jenson attempt to discover the culprit, it soon becomes clear that someone is attempting to stir up a conflict between the people of Deadhart and their vampyr neighbours. With both settlements on the warpath, Barbara and Jenson need to dive into Deadhart’s dark history to truly understand the crime before them. But is the killer a bloodthirsty vampyr, a psychotic human with a taste for chaos, or something far worse?
Tudor absolutely blew me away with this exceptional and highly clever read. The Gathering was a brilliant book that expertly combined an inventive and well-established concept with a complex murder mystery. Loaded with intriguing and damaged characters and a dark story of death, revenge and oppression, The Gathering was an extremely awesome book that I could not turn away from.
Thanks to its vampyr focused murder mystery, I knew I was going to really enjoy the plot behind The Gathering well in advance of reading it, and boy was I proven right. Tudor does a wonderful job quickly and effectively setting the scene, and you are soon introduced to the town of Deadhart, the concept of vampyrs and the particulars of the murder. What follows is a complex case as protagonist Barbara Atkins is forced to investigate as an outsider, as most of the town is filled with anti-vampyr sentiment. Further complications are added when Atkins finds a range of dark secrets hidden throughout Deadhart, both in the present and in the past, which have bearing on the modern case. At the same time, the various residents of Deadhart and the Colony react in different ways to the murder, using it to restart old grudges or bring long-festering hurts to the surface.
The Gathering’s narrative progresses at a fast and compelling pace, and you are soon treated to revelation after revelation, as well as several additional killings. I loved the combination of a modern-day investigation and dives back into various periods of Deadhart’s history that emerged, especially as clues in the past have huge bearings on the modern story. Tudor cleverly builds up several simultaneous mysteries and ongoing storylines, and soon the protagonist is not only trying to discover who the killer is but prevent a war between Deadhart and the Colony. Everything leads up nicely to a pretty epic conclusion, which was well foreshadowed, with some pretty awesome revelations coming to the fore. I loved how well several compelling character arcs came full circle during this confrontation, and the main antagonist of the plot proved to be quite sinister and well established. Several other tertiary mysteries are also solved near the end, and Tudor ensures that many storylines are tied off in a satisfying and clever way. There are some awesome twists at the end, including one surrounding one of the book’s most compelling characters, and this last twist in particular is likely to lead to additional books in the series. I honestly was the hooked the entire way through this amazing story, and I really appreciate how Tudor brought it together.
I’m a huge sucker for classic for thrillers with distinctive twists to them, and The Gathering was a great example of this. Tudor managed to pull together a complex murder mystery that not only features an isolated Alaskan town with a dark history and multiple complex and haunted characters, but also contains an elaborate vampiric society and history. All these elements are used extremely well throughout The Gathering, and I was extremely impressed with how Tudor was able to tie everything so effectively together. Tudor makes sure to tell multiple character-focused storylines at the same time, which allows for a more multifaceted plot that goes in some very interesting direction. The split focus on several captivating and distinctive figures works wonders to enhance this, and Tudor uses this to showcase the rising tension in the town, and the various perspectives surrounding it. There are some great plot lines here, and the way that they interacted and came together was very impressive. I was particularly impressed by the chapters that kept coming back to an unnamed figure being held prisoner by a mysterious captor. This storyline was weaved throughout the novel, and I was constantly left guessing about who the figures were and how it would work into the main story. The reveal surrounding it was not what I was expecting, but I loved how well it set up a major twist at the end. Other character-focused storylines also proved to be just as compelling, and the way everything came together was very impressive. I honestly knocked out this book in just over a day, it was that damn good, and I cannot emphasise how cleverly Tudor brought everything together.
One aspect of this book that I really must highlight is just how great a setting Deadhart proved to be as it enhances the plot of The Gathering in so many excellent ways. The well-written depictions of the frigid Alaskan wilderness and secluding storms allows Tudor to bring together a classic thriller background of an isolated, snowed-in town, where the protagonist is unable to get backup and is forced to rely on unlikely help from the local outsider. While this always makes for a great story background, Tudor enhances it by building up a dark history around Deadhart and the Colony, that plays so well into the modern storyline. This unique history of the town was expertly explored by Tudor, and it worked to produce a much more complicated mystery, one dotted with historical grudges and family feuds. I particularly loved how effectively Tudor explored the growing terror infesting Deadhart as the killings continue, as both the humans and the isolated vampyrs begin to fear what is to come. This undercurrent of fear and the resulting rage it leads to is almost palpable at times, and you can fully understand how and why the various characters act the way they do.
Another element of The Gathering that really impressed me was how well Tudor set up an alternate world where vampyrs exist. The whole concept of the vampyrs as biological offshoots with several classic vampiric traits, including blood drinking and an aversion to sunlight, is quickly and effectively established by Tudor, who does a wonderful job of immediately bringing readers into this world. As the book continues, the reader gets a more in-depth look at the vampyrs, their biology, their psychology, and their history, especially when it comes to their interactions with humans. This examination of the interaction with humans is particularly key, as Tudor explores the prejudices that emerged, as humans learned to hate the entire species. Featuring some fantastic parallels between other social rights issues, the relationship between the two species is explored in detail, and then applied to isolated Deadhart. Watching the prejudices of the town come to light again was a great part of the book, especially as it is well contrasted by looks at the vampyr community. As the story continues, you soon realise that there are monsters on both sides of the biological line, and figuring out who is crossing this line is a major part of the plot. Defining vampyrs in both a scientific and social way proved to be very interesting, and I liked the attempts at humanising the figures and making them less of a horror monster. That being said, there are some dark and scary scenes in The Gathering, especially when the vampyrs get angry. Overall, the use of vampyrs is in The Gathering was very cleverly, and Tudor really highlighted her writing ability by setting this up so effectively.
The final element of the book I want to highlight is the amazing group of complex and damaged characters featured throughout The Gathering. Tudor clearly has an aptitude for bringing together a compelling cast, as the reader is treated to a range of different figures, each of whom have their own compelling histories and dark pasts mottled by the troubled relationships between humans and vampyrs. The most prominent of these is the visiting detective, Barbara Atkins, who is forced to battle mystery, local hatred, and her own unique feelings about vampyrs as she determines whether a cull is required. Showcased as the calm and reasonable inclusion to the investigation, Barbara finds herself severely tested by the town’s prejudices and mistrust, while trying to find the truth no matter what. Much of Barbara’s actions are guided by rationality, although there is an intriguing look back into her past, as her own experiences with small towns with vampyr colonies plays a big role in her motivations. As such, she is an excellent central protagonist, and I loved how well she played the outsider figure coming into town.
In addition to Barbara, The Gathering also features a complex group of locals, each of whom have their own connection to Deadhart’s dark history and the hostile relationship between the town and the Colony. Standouts include former sheriff Jenson Tucker, whose previous investigation of a vampyr death left him as the town pariah. Tucker goes through a powerful redemption arc in The Gathering, and he proved to be an able secondary protagonist as he comes to terms with his many secrets. Other great characters include an ancient vampyr, trapped in the form of a child, whose connection to the dark side of Deadhart becomes a driving force for their revenge. There is also a mysterious local preacher determined to bring violence to the vampyrs, and who proves to be an intriguing counterpoint to the main protagonist Barbara. Finally, the various members of an original Deadhart family with a long simmering hatred for all thing vampyr, adds a great amount of drama to the plot, not only because of their connections to the previous killing in town but because their well-established fear of vampyrs leads to much of The Gathering’s conflict. These characters, and more, are very well written, and their dark attitudes, fearful actions and unique viewpoints add a great deal to this already impressive and emotionally charged novel.
C. J. Tudor deeply impressed me as The Gathering turned out to be one hell of a read. Expertly utilising her inventive and clever alternate world in conjunction with a captivating mystery, Tudor wrote a particularly epic tale in The Gathering, and I had such a lot of fun getting through it. An intense and powerful read, The Gathering is one of the best books I have read so far in 2024 and I cannot recommend it enough.
The Silverblood Promise by James Logan
Publisher: Arcardia (Trade Paperback – 30 April 2024)
Series: The Last Legacy – Book One
Length: 595 pages
My Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Promising new author James Logan presents an epic fantasy debut in the form of The Silverblood Promise, the first entry in his planned The Last Legacy series, and one of my most anticipated books of 2024.
Lukan Gardova, the disgraced heir of a noble family, is a man who has lost everything following a duel that ended tragically. Forced to drop out of his prestigious academy and abandoned by his family, Lukan travels the wild edges of the world, gambling, drinking, and seeking what adventure he can. Despite his malaise and despair, Lukan is still shaken when he is informed that his estranged father has been murdered by mysterious assassins.
Armed with fresh purpose and a determination to find out who was responsible for his father’s death, Lukan follows the only clue he has, a note his dying father wrote in his own blood. The names it contains lead him to Saphrona, an old and prosperous city ruled by merchant princes where everything can be bought. Filled with rogues, scoundrels, thieves, and miscreants, Saphrona seems an unlikely place to find his reclusive, academic father’s killers.
Engaging in an exhaustive search throughout Saphrona, Lukan discovers that the answers he seeks lie with one of the city’s merchant princes. Unfortunately, they have been condemned to death for the murder of another merchant prince, and if Lukan wants the information they have, he will first have to prove their innocence. Working with an unlikely group of criminal acquaintances, Lukan follows the few clues surrounding the merchant prince’s unusual murder. But the further he digs, the more danger he finds himself in. There is a deadly conspiracy at work in Saphrona, one that seeks to undermine everything the city stands for. Forced to contend with desperate nobles, deadly criminals, and dangerous forces beyond his comprehension, Lukan fights to keep his promise and find the truth behind his father’s murder.
Wow, now this was an awesome debut from Logan and one that I was really glad I got the chance to read. The Silverblood Promise has been on my radar for a while, and Logan did not disappoint with its excellent and exciting story, which is loaded with action, intrigue, cool fantasy elements and some great characters. Entertaining and fast-paced, The Silverblood Promise was an absolute joy to read, and I had an amazing time getting through it.
The Silverblood Promise has a deeply compelling narrative behind it that kept drawing me in with its intrigue, revelations and exciting adventure. While this is a lengthy novel, I honestly powered through it as it proved very easy to get caught up in the story. Logan maintains a very fast pace the entire way through The Silverblood Promise, and I enjoyed the mixture of action, character development and unique fantasy inclusions that the reader is treated to. Starting off with a strong introduction that effectively showcases the protagonist and his current situation, the reader is quickly thrust into the main background city of Saphrona, which proves to be a fantastic setting. Able to quickly interpret his one clue, the protagonist works with several connected figures to try and contact the person his father sent him after. What follows is a series of interlocking quests as Lukan must befriend a master forger, mastermind a break-in to a notorious prison, and then discover who set up one of the city’s leaders for murder. This results in a constant stream of adventures as Lukan jumps from one hurdle to the next, uncovering dark secrets about the city, and making unlikely friends.
The revelations about the true villain of the story occurs about two-thirds of the way through The Silverblood Promise, and while it isn’t too surprising, their methods and motivations are, especially as they reveal some interesting figures to the story. Forced to go up against some big fish, Lukan is caught up in their power play, which adds a lot of chaos to the narrative, and must desperately come up with a plan to fight back. The resulting carnage and confrontations are well handled, and I loved the great combinations of intrigue, battles and clever ploys that brought everything together. All the action within The Silverblood Promise is sharp and well written, and you get drawn into the many confrontations and battles of wits that emerge. Logan proved very able at hiding hints about the big bad’s schemes throughout much of the plot, and it was fun to see it all come together. I had such a great time with this impressive story, and I ended up reading the last 300 pages of the book in less than a day, it was that damn good. The reader comes away both satisfied and wanting more, which is lucky as it is clear Logan has some big plans for the series, with the adventure set to continue.
I felt that Logan came up with an excellent fantasy setting for The Silverblood Promise, and I really enjoyed how he utilised the new world throughout his plot. Filled with magic, adventurers, complex cities, mysterious interdimensional beings, and powerful artefacts from long-lost advanced races, there is so much for the reader to enjoy here, especially when hints about far greater hidden powers are also included. While a couple of the fantasy elements in The Silverblood Promise are a little derivative of other fantasy works, I personally didn’t mind, mainly because Logan makes them his own and they fit nicely into the fast and intense narrative of The Silverblood Promise.
While I loved the new fantasy world as a whole, the setting highlight of this book is the city of Saphrona, where most of the plot is set. Saphrona proves to be a complex and compelling trade city ruled by merchant princes and filled with dangerous commerce, criminal enterprises, alien structures, unlikely monsters, and all manner of political intricacies and plots. Readers will really enjoy unwinding the various elements of this city and it proved to be fun watching the protagonist explore Saphrona and attempt to find answers and stop a major disaster unfold. In a way Saphrona becomes a character in its own right as the book progresses, and I really appreciated how effectively Logan introduced the reader to the setting and inserted the story in its survival and underlying politics. Logan also ensured that readers got a good deal of information about some of the other locations outside of Saphrona, which are likely to become relevant to the plot in future books of the series. While a of map of the continent or Saphrona would have been appreciated, readers come away with a great sense of the world and will be interested in seeing more stories within it. Indeed, it looks like Logan plans to set each of The Last Legacy books in a different city of the world, and I for one am very excited to see what other memorable locations Logan will come up with.
I also really need to highlight the fun and memorable characters who were featured throughout The Silverblood Promise. Logan did a great job pulling together an intriguing and often outrageous cast for his first book, and I loved some of the awesome storylines that emerged. Most of the focus revolves around protagonist and primary point-of-view character, Lukan Gardova, a former noble turned roguish adventurer who finds himself way over his head in Saphrona. Lukan is a great central figure for this book, and he brings a lot of emotion to the story due to his disastrous past and determination to find his father’s killer. I felt that Logan provided just the right amount tragic history for his protagonist to enhance the dramatic tone of the book, and the character’s frustrations at the dangerous tasks he finds himself involved with, as well as his own stubborn need to move forward, were very relatable. Lukan also provides a fun scoundrel vibe to the plot at times, and it was interesting to see his cynical perspective on events throughout the book. I liked how Logan set Lukan up as a newcomer to the main setting of Saphrona, as this allowed the reader to see the city fresh through the eyes of someone unfamiliar with it, which enhanced the majesty, strangeness and cruelty of the setting. As such, I felt that Lukan was an excellent central protagonist, and I look forward to seeing how his story evolves in the future, especially as there are many more secrets around his family that need to be revealed, and other character elements that need to be expanded upon.
Aside from Lukan, The Silverblood Promise features an interesting array of fun figures, the majority of whom are locals to Saphrona. I loved all the unique characters that emerged, especially as Lukan is forced to deal with killers, scheming nobles, a mysterious forger, a blind beggar with way too much knowledge, an unlikely crime lord and a notorious band of mercenaries that Lukan is forced to alternatively fight or make deals with. One of the most distinctive characters is an infamous thief who joins the main cast late in the story, but who proves to be a fantastic addition thanks to her skills, kindness and pragmatism. However, my favourite character would have to be the young street urchin and pickpocket, Flea, who forms an unlikely partnership with Lukan early in the story. Hired by Lukan to help him around the city, Flea proves to be an invaluable ally, despite her age, and works to keep her benefactor alive against all manner of dangers. Bold, curious and utterly unflappable, Flea is a highly entertaining figure, especially as she keeps jumping into danger while also proving to be far wiser than Lukan. Flea and Lukan serve as fun contrasts to each other, and I liked their entertaining banter and the touching bond they form throughout the course of the book. This fantastic partnership really helped to make The Silverblood Promise that much more special, and all the characters featured within this book were really well written and cleverly featured.
Overall, The Silverblood Promise is an excellent and exciting fantasy novel that had me hooked the entire way through. Intense, compelling and wildly entertaining, The Silverblood Promise was very awesome, and James Logan did wonders with his debut novel. I will definitely be grabbing the eventual sequel to The Silverblood Promise when it comes out, and I cannot wait to see how this adventure continues and how Logan develops as an author.
Extinction by Douglas Preston
Publisher: Forge Books (ebook – 23 April 2024)
Series: Standalone/Book One
Length: 384 pages
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Entertaining author Douglas Preston presents Extinction, a wild science fiction thriller that will drag you in with is amazing and exciting story.
Preston is a veteran author who has been writing compelling novels for 30 years. Preston is best known for his many collaborations with fellow author Lincoln Child, which have resulted in an impressive body of work, including several standalone novels, the long-running Agent Pendergast series, the Gideon Crew series and the Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson books. In addition to his work with Child, Preston has also written several of his own series, including the Tom Broadbent novels, the Wyman Ford books and his standalone novel, Jennie. While I love the unique sound of many of these books, I have never had the opportunity to read anything from Preston before. However, when I managed to get my hands on a copy of his new book, Extinction, I dove into it as soon as I could due to its awesome-sounding story.
Deep in the Colorado Rockies lies the exclusive and world-famous Erebus Resort. Based in a massive 100,000-acre valley, the Erebus Resort contains many wonders of genetic science as clones of woolly mammoths, Irish Elk, giant ground sloths and other extinct species roam the valley, brought back to life, and turned into gentle tourist attractions. The Erebus Resort seems like the most perfect place in the world, but nothing is what it seems.
When a billionaire’s son and his new wife are kidnapped on their honeymoon in the wild countryside surrounding the resort, Agent Frances Cash of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is sent out to investigate. Working with local county sheriff James Colcord, the two lead a force of police and Erebus security to try and locate the missing pair. However, when the two hikers are found brutally murdered and mutilated, apparently by a group of ecological terrorists, the case takes a dark turn.
Determined to find the killers hiding out in the wilds, Cash and Colcord coordinate an exhaustive search while also trying to uncover the dark secrets hidden within the Erebus labs. But with the body count mounting and the Erebus staff attempting to cover up the truth, Cash and Colcord find themselves pushed to the limit, especially as there is something unusual about their potential suspects. The further they dig, the more they discover that the killers are there to pay back an old grudge and will do anything to get their revenge.
Extinction was an awesome book from Preston, and it was honestly as fun and addictive as I was hoping it would be. Combining a great thriller storyline with some entertaining science fiction elements, Extinction was a pretty epic read which I powered through extremely quickly due to the very exciting and thrilling story.
Preston comes up with quite an entertaining and over-the-top narrative for Extinction, which is frankly glorious in just how crazy things get. Starting off with a gruesome murder in a gigantic nature preserve with genetically resurrected creatures, the story quickly evolves into an elaborate and thrilling mystery with a background that is going to remind readers of Jurassic Park (although one character insists they are nothing alike). The first third of the book serves as a great introduction to many of the key elements of Extinction, including the resort, the main characters, and the initial search for answers, while the hints of a wider conspiracy are also shown to the reader. Things get even more interesting in the second third of the book, where further deaths are revealed, several intriguing and often annoying characters are introduced, and the potential antagonists of the story are somewhat revealed. It is the later which most got my attention, as the protagonists face off against an unusual group of apparent terrorists with some distasteful and extreme methods.
I honestly was hooked after the first two thirds of the book, and I loved where the unique mystery was going. However, it was the final third of Extinction that really sealed just how much I enjoyed this epic novel. There are some big, if not especially surprising, reveals here about who is responsible for the attacks and why, which I was completely there for as it was so bonkers and fun. The resulting chaos that results from these revelations is just perfect, as there are numerous outrageous and highly violent sequences that grab your attention. Many of the supporting cast, including several particularly unlikeable characters, meet an ironic or suitably entertaining end, which really highlights the book’s focus on hubris and karma. There are so many fun moments here, as well as some dark and serious pieces, as the protagonists try to survive and come to terms with what is going on. I absolutely powered through this part of the book as I was so intrigued to find out how the story was going to come to an end. Preston leaves everything on a very interesting note, and I frankly came away from the story very, very happy.
Preston did a great job of presenting this dark, if slightly exaggerated, narrative and I liked his writing style in Extinction. In particular, he utilised the tried and tested thriller method of splitting the story amongst several intriguing characters, who told various aspects of the story. While most of it was reserved for the well-written and compelling protagonists, Agent Frances Cash and Sheriff James Colcord, you also get to see the story through the eyes of several supporting cast members, which includes antagonists, supporting members of Cash and Colcord’s investigation, and other people located in the resort, including Cash’s politically minded boss, a grieving billionaire, and the unlucky members of a film crew working nearby. This interesting range of characters and perspectives added some extra drama to the story, especially as Cash is forced to deal with incompetence, politics and coverups, while you also get some fantastic viewpoints of the events leading up to the inevitable carnage. It helped that several of the characters that Preston chose to focus on where pretty unlikeable, and it proved very entertaining to see them get caught in the crossfire.
I think Preston did a good job of balancing the thriller and science fiction elements of Extinction to produce the best story. The initial novel is primarily a crime fiction read, with the protagonist’s investigation and search taking priority while the park and its genetically engineered creatures serve as an intriguing and distinctive background. However, as the story progresses, there are some interesting dives into the science surrounding the creation of the cloned animals, as well some of the interesting real-life history of the related genetic sciences. This genetic science leads to some very fun and major reveals in the plot, and Extinction soon turns into a full-fledged science fiction read with some pretty over-the-top discoveries. I feel that the inevitable science fiction story of Extinction was greatly enhanced because Preston drew the reader in with the exciting thriller elements, and it kept you guessing about who or what the antagonists were going to be. While much of the genetics featured within Extinction is a bit overexaggerated for plot reasons, there is a grain of real science at its core, which makes the book a bit scarier to a degree. Preston makes sure to highlight, both in the plot and his notes at the end, that much of what is being discussed is possible and could be seen in real life sooner than you’d think. As such, you come away from Extinction being a little thoughtful, while also really appreciating the great story Preston has provided to you.
Overall, Extinction by Douglas Preston was an extremely fun book that I was very glad I decided to check out. Loaded with some outrageous moments and exciting sequences, Extinction had me on the edge of my seat for its entire narrative, and I honestly got so caught up in seeing how events would unfold. Dark, brutal, and gloriously unrestrained, readers will get all the excitement and thrills they could want out of Extinction, while finding the underlying mystery to be intriguing, concerning, and entertaining in equal measures. A great novel that will no doubt bring me back to Preston’s writings in the future.
WWW Wednesday – 8 May 2024
WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words, where bloggers share the books that they’ve recently finished, what they are currently reading and what books they are planning to read next. Essentially you have to answer three questions (the Three Ws):
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
So, let’s get to it.
What are you currently reading:
The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence (Trade Paperback)
I started reading the impressive novel, The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence this week. The sequel to one of my favourite books of 2023, The Book that Wouldn’t Burn, The Book That Broke the World follows several intriguing characters lost in the intricacies of a massive and chaotic library. Cleverly combining fantasy and science fiction elements, The Book That Broke the World is a deeply compelling novel, and I am having an outstanding time reading it.
Warhammer 40,000: Deathworlder by Victoria Hayward (Audiobook)
I literally just started listening to the awesome Warhammer 40,000 novel, Deathworlder. The debut novel from Victoria Hayward, Deathworlder is a dark and exciting book that follows the best jungle fighters in the galaxy as they are forced to traverse a world slowly being devoured by monstrous aliens. I have barely made any progress on Deathworlder but I have no doubt this is going to be an amazing listen.
What did you recently finish reading?
The Silverblood Promise by James Logan (Trade Paperback)
I managed to power through the epic fantasy novel The Silverblood Promise by James Logan this week. The debut novel of Logan, The Silverblood Promise was a very awesome book that had me hooked the entire way through. Review to follow very soon.
Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (Audiobook)
A twisty and complex science fiction novel that follows a group of convicts on an alien planet as they a forced to contend with both vicious prison guards and the planet’s unique biology.
The No.1 Lawyer by James Patterson and Nancy Allen (Trade Paperback)
I was able to also get through the fantastic legal thriller, The No.1 Lawyer this week. An addictive and fast-paced book, this was a very cool read and one I had a lot of fun with.
Warhammer 40,000: Death or Glory by Sandy Mitchell (Audiobook)
I was in the mood for something I knew I would love so I listened to the fantastic Warhammer 40,000 audiobook, Death or Glory. The fourth book in the always entertaining Ciaphas Cain series, Death or Glory was an excellent audiobook that I will also be reviewing very soon.
What do you think you’ll read next?
Death on the Tiber by Lindsey Davis
While I have a few potential books to read next, I think I will probably dive into the new Lindsey Davis novel, Death on the Tiber. The latest book in Davis’ long-running Flavia Albia historical murder mystery series, Death on the Tiber will see the series protagonist investigate another complex murder in ancient Rome, this time while dealing with demons from her past. I really love this amazing series and I have no doubt I will have a wonderful time reading Death on the Tiber.
That’s it for this week, check back in next Wednesday to see what progress I’ve made on my reading and what books I’ll be looking at next.
Waiting on Wednesday – King’s Enemy by Ian Ross
Welcome to my weekly segment, Waiting on Wednesday, where I look at upcoming books that I am planning to order and review in the next few months and which I think I will really enjoy. I run this segment in conjunction with the Can’t-Wait Wednesday meme that is currently running at Wishful Endings. Stay tuned to see reviews of these books when I get a copy of them. In this latest Waiting on Wednesday, I highlight an awesome and exciting upcoming novel that I know I’m going to love with King’s Enemy by Ian Ross.
Last year I had the very great pleasure of reading my first book from historical fiction author Ian Ross, with Battle Song. The first entry of Ross’s de Norton trilogy, Battle Song followed a young English squire, Adam de Norton, who is forced into the service of notorious knight Sir Robert de Dunstanville. Following Sir Robert across Europe through the tournament scene, Adam soon learns what it is to be a fighter and a knight. However, when English lord Simon de Montfort rebels against King Henry III, Adam and Robert return home to a civil war, determined to fight on the side that will provide them the greatest reward. Battle Song ended up being a very epic novel, that was both action-packed and powerfully written, while also featuring an intriguing look at one of England’s lesser-known civil wars. I had such a great time with Battle Song, and it ended up being one of the best books I read in 2023.
Ross followed up Battle Song with the second novel in the de Norton trilogy, War Cry, which I read earlier this year. Set shortly after the events of Battle Song, War Cry sees a newly knighted Adam de Norton forced back into war when further rebellions kick off across England in support of the deposed King. This proved to be an outstanding sequel to Battle Song, and I loved how dark the story got in places, especially the ending where the protagonist loses everything. This was another exceptional read in my book, and it easily cemented me as a fan of Ross’s writing.
Due to how much fun I had with the first two books in this trilogy, I have been keeping a close eye out for the third book. Luckily, it doesn’t look like I am going to have to wait too much longer to find out how the trilogy ends as the final entry, King’s Enemy, is set for release in September. King’s Enemy sounds extremely awesome, especially as it will follow the protagonist and his love interest after they are branded as traitors and forced to flee across England towards a desperate last stand.
Plot Synopsis:
The Battle of Evesham has been fought and lost. The King is triumphant, Simon de Montfort is dead, and Adam de Norton is a prisoner, stripped of everything he once honoured and prized.
Escaping from captivity in the grim castle of Beeston, Adam becomes a fugitive in a country in turmoil. Branded a king’s enemy, he can be slain with impunity.
Together with the widowed Joane de Bohun, Adam flees across a bleak winter landscape, evading both pursuing royal troops and a desperate band of outlaws to seek shelter with a surviving rebel force in the north. But when the rebels are beaten once again, only one place in the land still holds out defiantly against the king: Kenilworth Castle, the mightiest fortress in England.
Joining the garrison of Kenilworth as it prepares for one of the most epic sieges in English history, Adam finds dangerous foes both inside and outside the walls. But as the siege grows ever more brutal, he must decide between a valiant defence and a still more perilous bid for freedom.
Now, after how epically dark the previous book ended, there was no way I wasn’t grabbing King’s Enemy when it came out. However, I have been even more keen to read this book after seeing the above plot synopsis. Having the protagonist go from respected knight to royal fugitive is an intriguing turn of events, and I’m sure that Ross will come up with an intense and desperate flight across England. In addition, the finale of the book is set to take place during one of the longest sieges in English history, which is very, very cool. I am a huge fan of books that feature epic sieges, and I cannot wait to see how Ross will approach this epic historical event.
Another aspect of King’s Enemy that I am very interested in seeing is the overall fate of the main character, Adam de Norton. Throughout Battle Song and War Cry, I have become highly invested in Adam’s story, especially as he is one of the few loyal, honourable and chivalrous knights in the plot. Ross has left open several intriguing character storylines that need to be addressed in the final novel, including his romance with Joane de Bohun, the various enemies he has accumulated throughout the war, and whether he will be allowed to remain a knight and keep his ancestral lands. I look forward to seeing how Ross wraps up Adam de Norton’s tale, and I cannot wait to find out what happens to this character.
Look, based on how impressive the first two novels in this trilogy have been, there is no chance that I would stop reading it now. I absolutely need to know how Ian Ross’s captivating historical tale ends, and the fact that the final chapter of the story features a massive siege is all I need to know to grab King’s Enemy the instant it comes out. As such, King’s Enemy is now one of my most anticipated reads for the second half of 2024 and I am so damn excited for it.
WWW Wednesday – 1 May 2024
WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words, where bloggers share the books that they’ve recently finished, what they are currently reading and what books they are planning to read next. Essentially you have to answer three questions (the Three Ws):
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
So, let’s get to it.
What are you currently reading:
The Silverblood Promise by James Logan (Trade Paperback)
I just started reading The Silverblood Promise by James Logan. The debut novel of Logan, The Silverblood Promise is an epic fantasy novel that follows a disgraced heir to a noble family attempt to find his father’s killer in a city of notorious rogues, killers and villains. I have only made a little progress with The Silverblood Promise so far, but I am enjoying its compelling and interesting narrative.
Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (Audiobook)
I am still listening to the awesome science fiction novel Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky. I have become a major fan of Tchaikovsky is recent years, and Alien Clay is the first of four (yes, four!) books he has coming out this year. An intriguing novel about an infamous prison on an alien world, Alien Clay has some great potential that really grabbed my attention. I am about halfway through Alien Clay and I have been really drawn into its great concept, cynical political undertones, and underlying scientific mysteries. I am hoping to get through Alien Clay this week, and I cannot wait to see how it turns out.
What did you recently finish reading?
Behind a Closed Door by J. D. Barker (ebook)
I managed to power through the very adult thriller, Behind a Closed Door by J. D. Barker this week. Set around a troubled couple who begin using an unusual relationship app, Behind a Closed Door sees them tested like never before by the app’s sinister requirements. This proved to be a very exciting and compelling thriller and I absolutely powered through the last half of the book. Review to follow soon.
What do you think you’ll read next?
The No.1 Lawyer by James Patterson and Nancy Allen
I am hoping to read the exciting and compelling legal thriller, The No.1 Lawyer next. Following a high-profile lawyer who finds himself accused of his own wife’s murder, this sounds like a very cool read and I look forward to checking it out.
That’s it for this week, check back in next Wednesday to see what progress I’ve made on my reading and what books I’ll be looking at next.
Waiting on Wednesday – Precipice by Robert Harris
Welcome to my weekly segment, Waiting on Wednesday, where I look at upcoming books that I am planning to order and review in the next few months and which I think I will really enjoy. I run this segment in conjunction with the Can’t-Wait Wednesday meme that is currently running at Wishful Endings. Stay tuned to see reviews of these books when I get a copy of them. For this latest Waiting on Wednesday, I check out the intriguing upcoming historical thriller for legendary author Robert Harris, Precipice.
Robert Harris is a very impressive author who has producing complex works of fiction for over 30 years. Best known for his numerous novels that blend historical events with thriller storylines, Harris has created several impressive and outstanding novels set back in the past. Many of these, including Fatherland, Enigma, Archangel, and The Ghost have been adapted into television shows or movies over the years, which really showcases the outstanding range of narratives he has come up with.
I personally have had a wonderful time with several of Harris’ more intriguing novels over the years, all of which were exceptional pieces of historical fiction. The first Harris book I read was the 2013 novel, An Officer and a Spy, which proved to be a perfect novelisation of the infamous Dreyfus affair, and which stayed with me for many, many years. I more recently read his 2020 novel, V2, which told an elaborate, multi-layered story about the utilisation of V-2 rockets in World War II, and the awesome 2022 novel, Act of Oblivion, which covered the compelling, decades long hunt for two of the men responsible for the execution of King Charles I. I have deeply enjoyed all these amazing books from Harris, and it ensured that any of his future novels would be square in my sights.
As it happens, Harris has a compelling book set for release in a few months’ time. This book, Precipice, has a fantastic World War I plot set around an infamous British political scandal. Set to feature intrigue, espionage, and the horrors of the first World War, Precipice, sounds extremely awesome and I cannot wait to unwrap its unique, historical mystery. I have no doubt whatsoever that this is going to be one of the top historical fiction novels of 2024 and I am very excited to get my hands on it.
Plot Summary:
Summer 1914. A world on the brink of catastrophe.
In London, 26-year-old Venetia Stanley – aristocratic, clever, bored, reckless – is having a love affair with the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, a man more than twice her age. He writes to her obsessively, sharing the most sensitive matters of state.
As Asquith reluctantly leads the country into war with Germany, a young intelligence officer is assigned to investigate a leak of top secret documents – and suddenly what was a sexual intrigue becomes a matter of national security that will alter the course of political history.
Seamlessly weaving fact and fiction in a way that no writer does better, Precipice is the thrilling new novel from Robert Harris.
Play of Shadows by Sebastien de Castell
Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books (Trade Paperback – 26 March 2024)
Series: Court of Shadows – Book One
Length: 482 pages
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Prepare yourself for a riveting good time in the impressive and wildly entertaining fantasy novel, Play of Shadows by the always amazing Sebastien de Castell.
Last year I had the very great pleasure of being introduced to Sebastien de Castell when I received a copy of his book The Malevolent Seven. Set outside his major series, The Malevolent Seven was a wickedly clever and chaotic book that followed seven dangerous mages who suddenly find themselves as humanity’s last hope. I had a wonderful time with The Malevolent Seven, and it honestly was one of the most entertaining fantasy books I read in 2023. As such, I was curious to read more from de Castell and I recently got the chance when I received a copy of his new novel, Play of Shadows. Serving as the first official book in his new Court of Shadows series, Play of Shadows is set within de Castell’s overarching Greatcoats universe, where most of his novels have been set, including his original Greatcoats books, the Spellsinger series and his Argosi series. While I haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of de Castell’s Greatcoats books before, I loved the awesome sounding story of Play of Shadows, and I decided to check it out, which proved to be a very wise decision.
Damelas Chademantaigne is one of the most unfortunate people in the entire city of Jereste. The grandson of two legendary Greatcoats, Damelas has always had a strong sense of justice, but he lacked the skills with a sword needed to back it up. So when he finds himself forced to accept a duel from the Vixen, the most feared duellist in the entire city, to save his ailing grandfather, his chances of surviving the night seem impossible. However, a fleeing Damelas finds sanctuary in the most unlikely of places: the Operato Belleza and its resident acting company, the Knights of the Curtain.
Now part of the illustrious company, Damelas finds himself protected by the city’s laws regarding actors and begins to eek a living as a minor player. However, his temporary haven soon becomes a deadly trap when one night he spontaneously manifests the spirt of the city’s greatest historical villain, Corbier, the Red-Eyed Raven. Identified as a newly emerged Veristor, an actor who can literally bring the past to life during a play, Damelas begins to constantly hear Corbier’s voice in his head and finds himself exploring the notorious rogue’s life each time he appears on stage. Forced to continue by the machinations of Jereste’s new duke, Damelas begins to tell the untold true history of Corbier, and it soon becomes apparent that he was far from the unrepentant monster everyone believed him to be.
As the play continues, Damelas gains the attention of the entire city, who become enthralled with finding out the truth. However, not everyone wants the past to come out, and soon Damelas finds out just how dangerous the theatre can be as he is targeted by the city’s nobles, a militant band of bravos, and the Vixen seeking her pound of flesh. Diving deeper into Corbier’s mind, Damelas beings to uncover a deadly conspiracy that threatens the entire realm. But can a mere actor, even one personifying a legendary fighter, survive the onslaught of villains on his tail? It’s going to take all of Damelas’s courage and skills as an actor, as well as the help of an eccentric collection of fellow players to make it to final curtain.
Wow, now this was an outstanding and epic book that I could just not put down. I was unprepared for how impressive Play of Shadows would be as de Castell unleashes a brilliant and complex read, loaded with intrigue, adventure, and a ton of theatrical humour. Entertaining and enthralling in equal measures, this was an incredible read and one that gets a full five-star review from me.
Play of Shadows is an epic book full of big personalities, big stakes, and an elaborate story of intrigue, adventure, and self-discovery. Set in the Three Musketeer’s inspired realm of the Greatcoats books, Play of Shadows initially seems set to feature the same focus on duels, bravos and rogues, as the rest of the series as the protagonist is forced to flee a fight from the infamous duellist, the Vixen, which sets him on course for his destiny. However, the first scene of Play of Shadows, in which Damelas escapes his pursuers by tricking his way into becoming an actor, changes expectations and perfectly sets the scene for the rest of the exciting, compelling, and wildly entertaining novel. I love how de Castell set a fantasy novel around the theatre , and having the protagonist be an actor rather than a master swordfighter is a great touch, especially for a Greatcoats book. Indeed, much of the book is set out like a play, which proves to be a clever guideline for the plot, while also allowing in the author’s fantastic humour about actors, the theatre, and the protagonist’s unlikely situation.
From there the story evolves into a compelling direction, as Damelas finds himself at the centre of the all the intrigue infecting the city, especially once he starts to manifest the great historical villain Corbier, the Red-Eyed Raven, as part of a legendary magical gift. This allows him to showcase the true events surrounding the past, which differ very greatly from the established history of the city. Due to the deep secrets hidden amongst the true history, the protagonist finds himself the target of many interested parties and becomes a tool in the battle between shadowy forces. The plot of Play of Shadows then begins to revolve around the three separate acts of the resulting play that tells the real story of Corbier. Each of these different acts reveal new secrets about the past that impact the present, and prove to be excellent centres for the plot, especially as each performance becomes increasingly deadly for Damelas and his fellow players, and there intense, action-packed, tragic moments occurring after each of them.
Between each of these acts of the play, Damelas is forced to interact with a variety of deadly and over-the-top figures, each of whom have a different motive to help or to kill the protagonist. The author also uses this time to provide new insights into both the historical and present-day conspiracies being uncovered as Damelas and his friends attempt to discover the true secrets of the city. De Castell does a really good job of building up the stakes in each of these intermissions, and there are some amazing set-pieces loaded here, from high-intensity duels, larger-scale battles between unlikely foes, and a raft of political intrigue and personal issues. Everything leads up to Play of Shadow’s massive climax, where the final act of the play unfolds, and all the secrets are revealed. There are some excellent twists and turns here, and while a couple of reveals are a little overly foreshadowed, the overall picture that is exposed is quite interesting and ensures that the rest of the trilogy is going to be very interesting. The big climax fight is so over-the-top bonkers, as all manner of magic, betrayals, personal vendettas, duels, and even an outrageous monologue, are used to resolve the issue. The reader comes away intensely satisfied, amused, and very curious about the future of the series.
Play of Shadows was a fast-paced, exciting, and continuously amusing book that was so much fun to get through, while also maintaining a darker edge that struck readers with tragedy and intense moments when they least expected it. This set-up of the book around the various acts of the play worked extremely well, and I loved how de Castell kept bringing the book back to the importance of the arts, even in the swordcraft-focused nation of the Greatcoats series. The magic of performance, both literal and figurative, is a major part of the book’s setting, which I thought was a clever choice from de Castell that made Play of Shadows really stand out. Much of the book’s humour is derived from the outrageous members of the acting troupe and their takes on the dramatic events overtaking their city. This comedic feature of the book was so much fun, and some of the best scenes involved the actors attempting to pivot the scenes around the protagonist’s unlikely visions. Other highlights include impromptu moments that made the actors great heroes in real life, or a sudden, extremely risqué monologue that manages to keep an approaching army at bay. This overarching action and entertaining theatre focus is well-balanced by a high level of intrigue and a dash of mystery, due to the elaborate conspiracies that seem to be infesting the city. De Castell does an exceptional job of contrasting these intriguing elements throughout Play of Shadows, and I really got drawn into its story as a result.
As I mentioned above, Play of Shadows falls within de Castell’s wider Greatcoats universe, which I personally don’t have any experience with. I must admit that I was initially a little wary of reading Play of Shadows, not only because I had no pre-knowledge of the other Greatcoats books, but because de Castell also released another Court of Shadows book last year with Crucible of Chaos, which serves as book zero in the series (Play of Shadows is the first official novel). However, my fears proved to be for naught as Play of Shadows stands on its own and easily welcomes new readers in. While there are references to the wider Greatcoats universe, having no pre-knowledge of this doesn’t impact a reader’s enjoyment or understanding of this book, and anything that does is naturally explained. Even the inclusion of a couple of characters from the previous series towards the end of the story was well handled, and the reader can easily follow what is happening while getting a good idea about who the characters are. The same is true for the apparent prequel, Crucible of Chaos, and people can easily start the Court of Shadows series here, rather than with book zero. While I am sure that established Greatcoats fans would probably get a little more out of these references than I was, this is a very good book for those readers who want to experience de Castell’s style or wider universe for the first time. As such, I would recommend Play of Shadows to all fantasy fans, and you really don’t need to do any other reading first. I am really looking forward to seeing how the Court of Shadows series continues, and I may also go back and read some of the other Greatcoats’ books, mainly because I am really enjoying de Castell’s writing and unique stories. I must try and read Crucible of Chaos before anything else though, and I will be interested in seeing how it unfolds and connects with this current book.
One of the great highlights of Play of Shadows is the excellent cast of characters featured throughout the book, all of whom add so much to the fantastic plot of the book. Naturally, most of the focus goes towards central protagonist and point-of-view character Damelas Chademantaigne, whose unexpected exploits in the theatre lead to so much drama. Damelas is a great entertaining fantasy protagonist, with a complex past, an often-irreverent take on current events that leads to a good chunk of the book’s excellent humour, and a desire to change the world, even if it wants to kill him. De Castell works in some amazing character development for Damelas, as he attempts to escape his pragmatic past that saw him run from a duel, to become the unlikely hero of his city. Watching him gain the skills and courage he needs thanks to the murderous spirit in his mind is just great, and de Castell does a wonderful job of highlighting his abilities as a Veristor. The tight line between controlling his gift and insanity is quite thin, and I loved the various sequences where he tried to showcase the past on stage, only for it to go in unexpected directions. Damelas goes through a lot in Play of Shadows, especially as he witnesses the many tragic consequences of his search for the truth, and I felt that de Castell perfectly showcases his doubts, fears and anger at how he is being manipulated. This was some incredible character work and I look forward to seeing how de Castell features Damelas in the future books now that he has found his purpose.
The rest of the cast of Play of Shadows are also quite impressive, and I love the huge array of outrageous and memorable figures that de Castell expertly dropped into the story. The historical ghost, Corbier the Red-Eyed Raven, was a brilliant ethereal figure in Damelas’s head, and the author has a lot of fun contrasting the instinctive and expert killer that is Corbier, with the inexperienced and pragmatic Damelas. In addition, Damelas’s acting companions, the Knights of the Curtain, also prove to be exceptional figures, and you really grow to care for this outrageous and eclectic group of actors. Every Knight brings something fun to the table, although my favourite had to be Damelas’s best friend, Beretto, the gentle giant, who steals every scene he’s in with his jokes, insights, and desire to ship Damelas with dangerous killers. However, props also need to go to head actor Abastrini and director Shoville, both of whom rise above expectations and show they have heart and the true passion of an actor. I also had a lot of fun with the Vixen, the ruthless duellist who serves as one of the best villains in the book. Her vengeful pursuit of Damelas is a major part of the book, and the various encounters they have, especially once Damelas gains the skills and courage to fight back, are very awesome. Throw in a beautiful assassin, a sarcastic musician who doubles as a secret agent, a duke with a complex past, and Damelas’s grandfather, a legendary retired Greatcoat who has some brilliant scenes, including one amazing sequence that shows why you don’t mess with old fighters, and the cast of Play of Shadows is something truly special. I had so much fun witnessing the battles and hijinks of this amazing group of characters, and I cannot wait to follow their future adventures in the rest of the series.
Overall, Play of Shadows was a particularly impressive novel from Sebastien de Castell that has made me very keen to read the rest of his books. Loaded with action, intrigue, humour, and an entertaining ode to the magic of the theatre, Play of Shadows was a remarkable and highly fun fantasy novel that I could not get enough of. Easily one of the best books I have so far read in 2024, Play of Shadows comes highly recommended, and I cannot wait to see how this outstanding series continues. You will not be disappointed by this book!
The Unseen Library 