Shape of Power by S.H. Swinnen brought me back to the days I’d wander through yard sales with my grandma, picking up old fantasy books based solely on their covers never expecting much, only to fall completely in love with the story inside. That’s exactly the experience I had here. I didn’t expect to dislike it, but I also had no idea what I was getting into and I was blown away. This book gave me major Michael J. Sullivan vibes; specifically Theft of Swords, with its witty banter and dynamic character interactions. I was completely engrossed in the dialogue, feeling like I was right there with them. The morally grey characters added so much depth, further reminding me of Sullivan’s style.
That said, Shape of Power isn’t just a copy or a homage. I am pleased to say that it’s very much its own beast. It stands confidently alongside Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations as an equal in quality, voice, and storytelling strength. ’d go so far as to say this feels like a fresh modern evolution of that kind of fantasy; perfectly palatable for a new generation of readers while still offering the depth longtime fans crave.
The magic system was another highlight. It was fun, engaging, and, most importantly, easy to understand without ever feeling watered down. Swinnen balances complexity with clarity in a way that makes the world immersive and the stakes feel real.
If you’re looking for a fantasy that captures that classic feel with a contemporary edge, Shape of Power should absolutely be on your radar.

I had the best time reading this book. I loved our motley crew of characters and their prison break schemes. I loved watching our characters grow. I would highly recommend this for fans of morally grey snarky characters and lovable drug addicts. Full review here: https://youtu.be/dVTFu4ri-7g?si=ct8qi2lXMPQr2ogm