_edited.png)
Synopsis: Gods meddle in the fates of men, men play with the fates of gods, and a pretender must be cast down from the throne in this breathtaking first fantasy novel from Ann Leckie, New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Awards. For centuries, the kingdom of Iraden has been protected by the god known as the Raven. He watches over his territory from atop a tower in the powerful port of Vastai. His will is enacted through the Raven’s Lease, a human ruler chosen by the god himself. His magic is sustained via the blood sacrifice that every Lease must offer. And under the Raven’s watch, the city flourishes. But the power of the Raven is weakening. A usurper has claimed the throne. The kingdom borders are tested by invaders who long for the prosperity that Vastai boasts. And they have made their own alliances with other gods. It is into this unrest that the warrior Eolo–aide to Mawat, the true Lease–arrives. And in seeking to help Mawat reclaim his city, Eolo discovers that the Raven’s Tower holds a secret. Its foundations conceal a dark history that has been waiting to reveal itself…and to set in motion a chain of events that could destroy Iraden forever.
Kindle Pages: 432
Publisher: Orbit
Publish Date: 26th Feburary 2019
Leckie, has delivered a Fantastical Novel, constructing a narriative world in which “I”, “You” and “Them” are all succinctly interwoven in a way that triapses all expectations of confusion.
In building the characters, Leckie flawlessly protrays the epitome of intrugue and wonder. Specifically, we see this in the portrayal of the Gods, where they’re constructed to be trustworthy, yet this is sometime that (for some) could not be further from the turth, creating a dangerous line which people must triapse in their dealings with the Gods – in fear of being wronged.
While the novel is a slow start, it quickly builds its pace and the readers desire to continue through the carefully delicatley, and delibertley constructed plot-line. It’s only down-fall was (to me) the lack-luster ending. Where the plot built for a spectactular finale, it seems to dissapoint. I eagerly hope (and await) a sequel, to wrap up the features of an otherwise astounding piece of work.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more Bookish Content, visit;