"A multifaceted opening to a fantasy series that’s epic in scope."
Available from Halsgrove Publishing
The Strains of Malice is the first in a detailed four book epic fantasy set in the world of Thera. The book is front loaded with all the world building information you’d need, with graphs and maps to explain time and geography as well as a prologue that offers historical context to the story as well as an explanation of the Shield of Crenac that separates the two hemispheres. This may seem daunting at first but it sets the stage so that when the story begins you’re equipped with all the knowledge needed and can focus on the characters.
Following a broad cast of characters from vicious rulers to commoners on the run and miners at work the land of Thera is then brought to life even more by its people. In this first book we get to know some characters more than others and as with any multi-perspective novel, you have your favourite storylines that you can't wait to come round to again. To name just a few I loved Emilya, Jake and Alicya, the bond that forms between them as they run from Prince Magnus, my heart broke during miner Davy’s storyline and I’m intrigued by Draxaelen, a recently enslaved former general of which we are yet to learn much more about. If I had to describe this book in a word it would have to be: detail. There’s interpersonal conflicts and obstacles for the characters to face that I have happily spent pages immersing myself in and could work through talking about one by one, but there’s also an approaching threat that could possibly pale all of those into insignificance. And yet, despite the broad scope of this novel, nothing feels rushed. You don’t feel like you’re zooming through one character’s experience to get to the next one. The pacing throughout is perfect for letting you become engrossed with the story and compelling enough for you to keep turning the pages. This is a brilliant start to an intricate series and I’m eager to see what follows.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Fantasy |
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