Reviews

This book came at the exact right time for me. I feel like I've been getting bored of the usual fantasy tropes but this was a great refresh with an even better cast of characters that felt familiar whilst still breaking the mould.

Lukan is an excellent protagonist that gives off Locke Lamora vibes of Locke reigned in that ego of his. I thought he was going to be an infallible hero always 3 steps ahead of everyone else but I really liked that he seems to be constantly making things up as he goes along after walking into trap after trap. The comparisons between this work and Uncharted is fair and I was compelled to just finish one more chapter to see how he was going to wriggle his way out of another scrape.

Flea is a precocious scamp and I love her. The relationship she had with Lukan felt warm but antagonistic like siblings but without the classic "i-am-a-male-protagomist-and-you-are-a-younger-female-support-character-so-i-will-defend-you-at-all-costs-just-to-make-it-seem-like-i-have-morals-but-actually-i-have-a-mysoginistic-hero-complex" vibe. They just felt like friends caught up in the same situation by chance. She is independent and gives the impression she is along for the ride but would do just fine if she wasnt. She's not reliant on anyone else and isn't just a damsel existing to be saved.

The pace was excellent. I wasn't sure about diving into a new fantasy world with the risk of facing a bunch of made up lore and history and words with too many apostraphes, but the world building felt strong enough where I could grasp the webs connecting everything without having to get bogged down in inconsequential crap. The action hit exactly how and when it needed to and glossed over the filler just perfectly to keep the story moving a breakneck speed.

Loved every minute of it and I can't wait for more ❤️

jhay06's review

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

The premise of the book was exciting in the beginning and immediately became boring halfway through the book as uninteresting magic and lore is introduced in the mystery. New characters were suddenly popping left and right when the main character needed them to save him. This removes so much tension in the story. The magic is very wishy washy, suddenly having a lore that immediately becomes the solution to their problem. So much about the world building is told to us once they become relevant or once again helps the main character escape his current situation. I prefer to experience the world as the characters learn and experience them. The only good thing I can say is that the beginning was intriguing and the characters were likeable until they just become caricatures and not a single development is shown.

spellboundbybooks's review

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adventurous funny tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I had been hearing alot of buzz around this debut before it was published, and for me, the hype was well deserved. I had so much fun with it!

We follow Lukan as he is informed of his father's murder and he sets out to find answers and justice for his death. What follows is a really fun adventure as Lukan gets caught up in various mysteries and is surrounded by danger.

One of my favourite aspects of the story is the friendship between Lukan and Flea, a street kid who helps Lukan. I loved their banter and their developing found family.

First impressions of Lukan are of a drunkard and gambler. But he becomes such a likeable character as we get to know him. He is clever and has a kindness to him. But he can also be reckless and impulsive which gets him into trouble. I just really enjoyed following him on his journey.

Another thing I liked was that while the city he is in is a very grim place full of violence and danger, this is offset by the humour and banter between Lukan and other characters. (His mouth almost gets him into more trouble than anything else lol) This made the story very entertaining and had me flying through the pages.

There is so much more I could mention, but I don't want to spoil it. But suffice to say, I loved this and honestly cannot think of one thing I disliked. So if you are a fan of epic fantasy or looking to get into epic fantasy, then I would highly recommend this book!!!

zeithelden's review

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adventurous funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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