When an army appears on the horizon, heading straight for the Rhajok'don village, Ugoki’s life and his hopes for the future are shattered as he has to fight to save his life meanwhile bearing witness to the enslavement of his people and destruction of his homeland. So unfolds a fantasy tale as he joins the fight against his oppressors. After joining the rebels and befriending a boy called Xanoth, together they set out to unravel an extensive web of lies and deceit that runs far deeper than either could imagine.

What follows is a fantasy epic written to the level of depth and complexity rarely seen outside larger sagas. The characters are very well thought out with just enough development to foster a connection to the reader. However, due to how the book constantly shifts focus to different protagonists, (in order to keep a simultaneous line of narrative on the go) the reader scarcely has time to form a proper bond with any of the fleeting characters. Sadly, this robs the book (and the reader) of any feelings of empathy that the reader typically develops into more prominent characters.

The world C J Gleave has created is developed to a beautiful level with plenty of description and extra accompanying narration. Sadly, many of these passages are marred by a sea of constantly repetitive adjectives as well as poor grammar. Nevertheless, the book is highly enjoyable to those who enjoy the depth, and more than a bit of complexity, to their fantasy narratives.

Alex

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review