Once in a generation, the matriarchs of Jeska choose a new king to manage the government and command the Guard — protecting Jeskans from crime, invaders, and insurgency.
Corren's been training for that job since he was six, but this is an unsettled time: rumors of strange incursions, grumbling discontent, and increasing brigandry. (1/2)
Corren’s problems are multiplying. His father is missing, His polyamorous brother keeps interfering with his business. And the king needs him to track down the conspirators behind a simmering insurrection.
When a strange woman turns up wearing a shaman’s cape, speaking a weird language, hiding knowledge that doesn’t belong in this world, all his plans have to change.
Lushly and concisely told, we cover a broad story with a direct journey with the right amount of detail, conveying a world mythology & the balance of the gods. Z'nnek's motivations and struggles are clear within the context of the story's events.
There are enough horrors of Hell to be uncomfortable, but we never lose sight of our protagonist's goal, and the resolution of the story is appropriately world-altering. (1/2)
I feel I have a strong grasp on this world and a broader view of it which may help prepare me for the rest of the series, which is something I always want out of an epic fantasy prequel like this one.
I've picked up "Raven Queen, Arise" to find out what kind of world follows the massive events of this one! :ablobcatbongo: (2/2)
This story is well-crafted. The diary format allows for trim, economic description of critical scenes while the narrative flow tells a story in a clear, strong 1st person voice.
I once kept a multi-page-per-day travel diary at one point in my life, so the pacing makes sense to me.
I appreciated that the earlier events are quiet and numb with a small focus while later events get detailed and tense as Rachel adapts and becomes ever more resourceful. (1/2)
This novella sets up a post-catastrophe world which has a lot more room to explore (there is a full-length book in this same setting, "The Unrecovered," which is encouraging!).
And by the end we see a clear direction for Rachel in the next volume. Looking forward to seeing what happens next! (2/2)
Once in a generation, the matriarchs of Jeska choose a new king to manage the government and command the Guard — protecting Jeskans from crime, invaders, and insurgency.
Corren's been training for that job since he was six, but this is an unsettled time: rumors of strange incursions, grumbling discontent, and increasing brigandry. (1/2)