Though this is the third book in the trilogy, there is a detailed “story so far” in the beginning to get the reader up to date, and there has been quite a bit of a story so far. Although I haven’t read the earlier books, I didn’t feel at all lost in this wonderful and vibrant world. The author indicates that he took inspiration from the cultures on the African continent to weave a world in which many people need to survive throughout varying environments and with other cultures. Magic is brought through ibor, a powerful mineral that has different uses which align to different colors. And it is ibor which both gives and takes away power, especially if it isn’t used wisely.
The story follows multiple characters, but again, their stories aren’t difficult to follow as each chapter is labeled and told from a different point of view. As a long time fantasy reader, I was eager to dive into this volume, and it did not disappoint. From vast landscapes to a myriad of cultures, sweeping wars, and magical power from the ibor, this story is enough for any fantasy fan to find a gripping narrative and a page-turning plot.
I don’t want to give away too much, but the ending surprised me in a delightful way, one which reminded me that when we step outside of our own world views and explore other cultures and other ways of viewing the world, we find that what we expect to happen doesn’t have to happen and that there are different ways of solving problems, in spite of their great cost.
Review
Received via Netgalley
5 Stars
