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alwroteabook's review
5.0
Dark and brooding but ultimately captivating - https://www.alwroteabook.com/2022/12/23/vultures/
shelvesofstarlight's review
4.0
I was kindly given a copy of this book to review for a blog tour in exchange for my honest opinion.
I thought that this book was incredible and really enjoyed the plot and the premise that it created for the next book (which I will have to get my hands on ASAP). The plot for this book had me both excited and anxious as the book raced towards the final climax and set up the second book. In fact it all ended very unexpectedly and that was something that I really enjoyed.
The characters were also very intricate and it made the story even more exciting to read, as good characters always do. Their plight was central to the book and I enjoyed the varying perspectives that the reader was given throughout the course of the book.
The writing style was engaging as well and the chapters were a perfect length and this meant that I got through this book very quickly, and am very excited to get to the next book as soon as possible. An interesting world that I would love to know more about.
I thought that this book was incredible and really enjoyed the plot and the premise that it created for the next book (which I will have to get my hands on ASAP). The plot for this book had me both excited and anxious as the book raced towards the final climax and set up the second book. In fact it all ended very unexpectedly and that was something that I really enjoyed.
The characters were also very intricate and it made the story even more exciting to read, as good characters always do. Their plight was central to the book and I enjoyed the varying perspectives that the reader was given throughout the course of the book.
The writing style was engaging as well and the chapters were a perfect length and this meant that I got through this book very quickly, and am very excited to get to the next book as soon as possible. An interesting world that I would love to know more about.
plot_head's review
4.0
I’ll admit that I am a little unsure how to approach this review. Vultures was one of the most unique approaches to storytelling that I have ever experienced. It was complex, dark, emotional, and raw. The characters are all nuanced and they practically bleed pathos. In many ways this was not an easy read. I was challenged as a reader in ways I haven’t been since Erickson’s Gardens of the Moon. In no way do I want to discourage you, dear reader, from picking up Vultures for yourself; I loved the story I found within, but I was forced to work for it.
We are on your doorstep, monster, and we will see your end. The light is darkest just before the dawn, and when we finally meet, it will be my blade that sets the fire in your eyes and wipes you from this world.
From the beginning, readers are dropped into a world which is seemingly ruled by dualities. Good and evil, light and shadow, law and chaos, truth and madness; all of these things play a part in the narrative and the balance rests on the end of a knife. It is a world plagued by loss (and a literal plague) and the three characters that we follow are each at the edge of defeat when we meet them. A war has been waged between the demon Te Mirkvahíl and the denizens of the world for decades and it has taken its toll on the land. Mirkúr, a sort of dark energy, has been spreading across the land and with it are the lokyn, monsters born of pure evil. It sounds cheesy, but Tarzian’s execution is everything but. This world is dark like no other I have read before. Bleak is an apt descriptor, I think. Mix in the influences of gods, a magical plague, wielders of both light (illum) and shadow (mirkúr) magic, shapeshifters with a few different planes of existence and you have one hell of a creation. Despite the massive undertaking this book is, Tarzian handles the minutiae with care and small worldbuidling tidbits are speckled in over the course of the novel.
Our main cast, Theailys, Serece, and Behtréal, are all utterly broken people dealing with past traumas and, in the case of at least one of them, a possible haunting. Theailys appears to have a literal devil on his shoulder, a manifestation of Te Mirkvahíl, the supposed cause of all the world’s evil. Whether or not that is what it really is or if it is just a figment of his broken psyche, or something else altogether, is never made entirely clear. It’s these little mysteries sprinkled in that made me want to keep reading even when it was hardest to do so. The feeling of hopelessness and madness is pervasive. And, because of the winding narrative and the unreliable narrator, I was often left wondering whether what I had just read was real or not (within the context of the story, obviously. I didn’t actually go insane while reading it.)
Time has little meaning to forever people.
The most impressive thing about Vultures is how fantastically well-plotted it is. I have mentioned this being a difficult read and I stick by that, but not in the way that I mean I did not enjoy it. I did! What I mean is that it took work. The plot is complex and often winding. We are dealt multiple plot lines and narratives from the start and, because of some of the characters’ mental health, we’re not even sure we can trust their point of view. On top of that are the dream sequences! This is where it dips into the realm of the surreal where I was unsure several times whether something was actually happening or if it was just a dream. Because of the often nonlinear way in which the narrative was delivered, we jump back and forth through time, too. This lead to a few confusing moments where I was a little lost in the narrative. Still, Tarzian always managed to carefully bring me back in, more often than not with a huge bomb being dropped in my lap. Not many books force me to go back and reread passages, but it was all the more rewarding when something finally clicked for me.
Overall, Vultures is fantastic and I highly recommend it. It is not an easy read and you should expect to be challenged along the way, but I promise that if you put in the effort you will be rewarded. It is expertly plotted, with twists and turns at every other corner. Vultures is a book that I expect will stick with me for some time. With an ending like that, I cannot wait for the sequel to arrive.
The bold may wisely cage a wolf that wields the power to raise an army, Betréal thought, but it is the arrogant, the ignorant who reach between the bars to slay the wolf’s cubs.
We are on your doorstep, monster, and we will see your end. The light is darkest just before the dawn, and when we finally meet, it will be my blade that sets the fire in your eyes and wipes you from this world.
From the beginning, readers are dropped into a world which is seemingly ruled by dualities. Good and evil, light and shadow, law and chaos, truth and madness; all of these things play a part in the narrative and the balance rests on the end of a knife. It is a world plagued by loss (and a literal plague) and the three characters that we follow are each at the edge of defeat when we meet them. A war has been waged between the demon Te Mirkvahíl and the denizens of the world for decades and it has taken its toll on the land. Mirkúr, a sort of dark energy, has been spreading across the land and with it are the lokyn, monsters born of pure evil. It sounds cheesy, but Tarzian’s execution is everything but. This world is dark like no other I have read before. Bleak is an apt descriptor, I think. Mix in the influences of gods, a magical plague, wielders of both light (illum) and shadow (mirkúr) magic, shapeshifters with a few different planes of existence and you have one hell of a creation. Despite the massive undertaking this book is, Tarzian handles the minutiae with care and small worldbuidling tidbits are speckled in over the course of the novel.
Our main cast, Theailys, Serece, and Behtréal, are all utterly broken people dealing with past traumas and, in the case of at least one of them, a possible haunting. Theailys appears to have a literal devil on his shoulder, a manifestation of Te Mirkvahíl, the supposed cause of all the world’s evil. Whether or not that is what it really is or if it is just a figment of his broken psyche, or something else altogether, is never made entirely clear. It’s these little mysteries sprinkled in that made me want to keep reading even when it was hardest to do so. The feeling of hopelessness and madness is pervasive. And, because of the winding narrative and the unreliable narrator, I was often left wondering whether what I had just read was real or not (within the context of the story, obviously. I didn’t actually go insane while reading it.)
Time has little meaning to forever people.
The most impressive thing about Vultures is how fantastically well-plotted it is. I have mentioned this being a difficult read and I stick by that, but not in the way that I mean I did not enjoy it. I did! What I mean is that it took work. The plot is complex and often winding. We are dealt multiple plot lines and narratives from the start and, because of some of the characters’ mental health, we’re not even sure we can trust their point of view. On top of that are the dream sequences! This is where it dips into the realm of the surreal where I was unsure several times whether something was actually happening or if it was just a dream. Because of the often nonlinear way in which the narrative was delivered, we jump back and forth through time, too. This lead to a few confusing moments where I was a little lost in the narrative. Still, Tarzian always managed to carefully bring me back in, more often than not with a huge bomb being dropped in my lap. Not many books force me to go back and reread passages, but it was all the more rewarding when something finally clicked for me.
Overall, Vultures is fantastic and I highly recommend it. It is not an easy read and you should expect to be challenged along the way, but I promise that if you put in the effort you will be rewarded. It is expertly plotted, with twists and turns at every other corner. Vultures is a book that I expect will stick with me for some time. With an ending like that, I cannot wait for the sequel to arrive.
The bold may wisely cage a wolf that wields the power to raise an army, Betréal thought, but it is the arrogant, the ignorant who reach between the bars to slay the wolf’s cubs.
wittyandsarcasticbookclub's review
5.0
Vultures is a dark fantasy, told in shades of gray. Dark and brooding, it is definitely not a happy story, but it is engrossing. To me, it felt like most of what happened was really a device used to explore or explain inner torment, as opposed to the inner torment being just a byproduct of the situation, if that makes sense. Luke Tarzian himself described Vultures as being “very much a story about love, loss, grief, and mental illness through the eyes of reluctant heroes.”* There’s no way I could possibly describe the atmosphere of the book better than that. I very much love seeing real issues like mental illness or grief explored in fantasy settings, and I was impressed with the rawness of the book.
The story was told through several points of view, and it was interesting to see how/if the characters’ storylines crossed or what the connections were. My favorite character was Theailys An. He would have blackouts and he would remember nothing of what happened during them (although, violence was generally involved). It made for fascinating character development.
The world itself was incredibly well-developed. There is a ton to this world, and this is a book that very much needs the reader’s full attention. The writing was evocative and made my imagination work overtime. At times, it felt like I was reading someone’s nightmare. It was an uncomfortable but engrossing feeling.
If you like harsher fantasy- I mean really harsh- give this book a read. Luke Tarzian is a writer with vision and a great deal of skill.
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.home.blog/2020/10/06/vultures-by-luke-tarzian-the-write-reads-blog-tour/
The story was told through several points of view, and it was interesting to see how/if the characters’ storylines crossed or what the connections were. My favorite character was Theailys An. He would have blackouts and he would remember nothing of what happened during them (although, violence was generally involved). It made for fascinating character development.
The world itself was incredibly well-developed. There is a ton to this world, and this is a book that very much needs the reader’s full attention. The writing was evocative and made my imagination work overtime. At times, it felt like I was reading someone’s nightmare. It was an uncomfortable but engrossing feeling.
If you like harsher fantasy- I mean really harsh- give this book a read. Luke Tarzian is a writer with vision and a great deal of skill.
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.home.blog/2020/10/06/vultures-by-luke-tarzian-the-write-reads-blog-tour/
fantasybooknerd01's review
4.0
Luke Tarzian's wonderfully complex book is an ambitious and mesmerising read.
I have read a lot of reviews about Vultures and wondered what I was getting myself into. I had read that it was difficult. That it required thought and concentration. Was I ready for this?
Well the answer to this was yes! I think I was!
Now I had this book before I was accepted on the blog tour and was always immensley interested about Luke Tarzian's debut. The blog tour just solidified my resolve to actually get on with it. So with a deep breath, I plunged into the book.
I have to say that I didn't know what I was expecting at first, but suffice it to say the book confounded all my expectations and pulled me along breathlessly towards the end.
One of the things that I like about Luke Tarzian's writing is that it places an incredible amount of faith in the reader, in that you are going to go with the flow of the story. That you are willing to enter into this world and trust that, whilst at times you may not understand it all, you are willing to suspend your preconceptions and follow the tale regardless of where it goes.
Whilst the structure of the book does not follow conventional rules, the actual plot does have sembelences of epic fantasy. We have the dark force - Te Mirkvahil. We have the chosen hero - Theilys An and we have the hunt for the weapon that will destroy the said dark force.
However, it is what Luke Tarzian does with these conventions that makes the book something else. The book reminds me of a dry stone wall, in that there are solid foundations, but how the hell is the rest of it going to stand up? Somehow, as if by magic, it does. And the reason for this is because Luke Tarzian uses words like stones to create something magical.
The story takes place in a world where everything has been devastated by Te Mirkvahil, who has unleased a hoard of demons to ravage the land and the people.
There are many different characters, but the narrative centres on three main points of view, Theilys An, a demon posessed warrior who dissacociates when the demon inside him takes over to destroy the Lokyns (the nasty evil types), and when he wakes he usually wakes to find scenes of devastation . Serece, a plague infected phantaxian, who may or may not be posessed by a goddess, and Behtreal, a mysterious figure trying to resurrect a lost people, who again may be possessed by a demon. However, there other characters and points of view that add to the story and bring different perspectives.
With any fantasy book, you have to mention the magic systems and the world building, and again Luke Tarzian's magic systems are orignal and complex. There's Mirkur, which is a power that was used by Behtreal and Thealys An, which seems to be a power borne of darkness, and then there's Illum which grants the user the power to interpret dreams and premonitions. And then there's Yssa which is the dreaded power of the phantaxians which when used can have a disasterous effect.
On top of that, the world building is beguiling, it flits between the real and unreal, the corporeal and the incorporeal seamlessly. Sometimes, I wasn't entirely sure of where I was, but once I learnt that this was the structure of the book, I just went with it.
Added to this are the characters. At times I found them likeable and understandable, other times they frustrated me. At other times, I didn't know what I thought. But one thing is for sure is that Luke Tarzian certainly writes characters with depth.
Ultimately, I found Vultures to be a compelling read that I will need to revist at some point and get the full effect of Luke Tarzian's dreamlike writing, and knowing that there is more to this story fills me with longing for the next one.
I have read a lot of reviews about Vultures and wondered what I was getting myself into. I had read that it was difficult. That it required thought and concentration. Was I ready for this?
Well the answer to this was yes! I think I was!
Now I had this book before I was accepted on the blog tour and was always immensley interested about Luke Tarzian's debut. The blog tour just solidified my resolve to actually get on with it. So with a deep breath, I plunged into the book.
I have to say that I didn't know what I was expecting at first, but suffice it to say the book confounded all my expectations and pulled me along breathlessly towards the end.
One of the things that I like about Luke Tarzian's writing is that it places an incredible amount of faith in the reader, in that you are going to go with the flow of the story. That you are willing to enter into this world and trust that, whilst at times you may not understand it all, you are willing to suspend your preconceptions and follow the tale regardless of where it goes.
Whilst the structure of the book does not follow conventional rules, the actual plot does have sembelences of epic fantasy. We have the dark force - Te Mirkvahil. We have the chosen hero - Theilys An and we have the hunt for the weapon that will destroy the said dark force.
However, it is what Luke Tarzian does with these conventions that makes the book something else. The book reminds me of a dry stone wall, in that there are solid foundations, but how the hell is the rest of it going to stand up? Somehow, as if by magic, it does. And the reason for this is because Luke Tarzian uses words like stones to create something magical.
The story takes place in a world where everything has been devastated by Te Mirkvahil, who has unleased a hoard of demons to ravage the land and the people.
There are many different characters, but the narrative centres on three main points of view, Theilys An, a demon posessed warrior who dissacociates when the demon inside him takes over to destroy the Lokyns (the nasty evil types), and when he wakes he usually wakes to find scenes of devastation . Serece, a plague infected phantaxian, who may or may not be posessed by a goddess, and Behtreal, a mysterious figure trying to resurrect a lost people, who again may be possessed by a demon. However, there other characters and points of view that add to the story and bring different perspectives.
With any fantasy book, you have to mention the magic systems and the world building, and again Luke Tarzian's magic systems are orignal and complex. There's Mirkur, which is a power that was used by Behtreal and Thealys An, which seems to be a power borne of darkness, and then there's Illum which grants the user the power to interpret dreams and premonitions. And then there's Yssa which is the dreaded power of the phantaxians which when used can have a disasterous effect.
On top of that, the world building is beguiling, it flits between the real and unreal, the corporeal and the incorporeal seamlessly. Sometimes, I wasn't entirely sure of where I was, but once I learnt that this was the structure of the book, I just went with it.
Added to this are the characters. At times I found them likeable and understandable, other times they frustrated me. At other times, I didn't know what I thought. But one thing is for sure is that Luke Tarzian certainly writes characters with depth.
Ultimately, I found Vultures to be a compelling read that I will need to revist at some point and get the full effect of Luke Tarzian's dreamlike writing, and knowing that there is more to this story fills me with longing for the next one.
bridgets_books's review
5.0
You would never guess this is Luke Tarzian’s debut novel. He has built an incredible fantasy world where good and evil are in a perpetual battle. His words pull you like a stream of smoke from one page to the next until you reach the end. I admit I was rushing so much by then that I had to read the ending twice to make sure I understood.
Dark fantasy is not my usual genre, but I am pleased to have read this book. It is about so much more than your typical good vs. evil story. I felt it described so much about life and the choices we make every day. Those choices cause ripples that determine the path our lives follow, as well as the people we come in contact with. I will be mulling over aspects of this book for days to come.
Even if you don’t normally read fantasy books, give this one a try. It is well worth the time you invest in reading for the entertainment as well as a glimpse into the realm of possibilities.
Dark fantasy is not my usual genre, but I am pleased to have read this book. It is about so much more than your typical good vs. evil story. I felt it described so much about life and the choices we make every day. Those choices cause ripples that determine the path our lives follow, as well as the people we come in contact with. I will be mulling over aspects of this book for days to come.
Even if you don’t normally read fantasy books, give this one a try. It is well worth the time you invest in reading for the entertainment as well as a glimpse into the realm of possibilities.
tessa_talks_books's review
3.0
Vultures is a story about the balance between law and chaos. There must be a balance, but that balance is tough to maintain. As I understood it, the doors are left wide open for chaos to gain a foothold and takeover in periods of balance. And when that happens, bad things follow.
It is a very complicated world that is hard to understand until you finish the story. This is because the details are drawn out slowly throughout the novel. I noticed small bits and chunks at various junctures that often took me by surprise and made me reevaluate what I thought I knew of the story so far. This world is truly unlike any I’ve read before.
The characters are darkly complex – each with a set of baggage that no one else wants or needs. My favorite character, though, is Serece. Plagued by horrific past deeds that were out of her control and a mother that has disowned her, there is just something about the character that I instantly gravitated towards. I loved reading the chapters where she was featured and wished that I had enjoyed the other chapters and other characters as much.
Overall, the story is a darkly rich fantasy world that, within its pages, explores the deep dark rabbit hole of the mind and all that instability does to it. It is a challenging read, and I felt a great deal hidden within the words and paragraphs went over my head. But, if you enjoy a more cerebral approach to fantasy, then this is a story you will want to take the time to explore.
It is a very complicated world that is hard to understand until you finish the story. This is because the details are drawn out slowly throughout the novel. I noticed small bits and chunks at various junctures that often took me by surprise and made me reevaluate what I thought I knew of the story so far. This world is truly unlike any I’ve read before.
The characters are darkly complex – each with a set of baggage that no one else wants or needs. My favorite character, though, is Serece. Plagued by horrific past deeds that were out of her control and a mother that has disowned her, there is just something about the character that I instantly gravitated towards. I loved reading the chapters where she was featured and wished that I had enjoyed the other chapters and other characters as much.
Overall, the story is a darkly rich fantasy world that, within its pages, explores the deep dark rabbit hole of the mind and all that instability does to it. It is a challenging read, and I felt a great deal hidden within the words and paragraphs went over my head. But, if you enjoy a more cerebral approach to fantasy, then this is a story you will want to take the time to explore.
avoraciousreader68's review
DNF @42%
Book source ~ Tour
The land of Ariath is suffering a plague. There are many characters trying to stop it. There’s a magical sword called The Keepers’ Wrath that’s supposed to be reforged so Ariath can go back to being normal. That’s it. That’s all I got.
There are so many characters in this and they have similar names. There are many places and they also have similar names. I have no idea how this plague started or even what kind it is. I’ve tried to work my way through this but at 42% I’m still so confused. I know that epic fantasy usually does this to me. It takes me a bit to get all the names down and where the story is headed. This is a “fault” that lies solely with me. However, it doesn’t usually take me this long to have the AHAH moment and it all coalesces into a huge vibrant picture and I gallop off into the proverbial sunset with the characters. Besides the reasons I’ve already listed, I think it’s because the scenes seem a bit disjointed. There’s not really a smooth transition from one character to the next and each scene is just them running around without any real meat to why they are doing so. I know that my fellow tour bloggers have enjoyed the book, so my review is in the minority. That’s not to say it’s not a great book for other readers. I just couldn’t get into it. Even though I DNF'd I'm giving it a 2 for the creativity.
Book source ~ Tour
The land of Ariath is suffering a plague. There are many characters trying to stop it. There’s a magical sword called The Keepers’ Wrath that’s supposed to be reforged so Ariath can go back to being normal. That’s it. That’s all I got.
There are so many characters in this and they have similar names. There are many places and they also have similar names. I have no idea how this plague started or even what kind it is. I’ve tried to work my way through this but at 42% I’m still so confused. I know that epic fantasy usually does this to me. It takes me a bit to get all the names down and where the story is headed. This is a “fault” that lies solely with me. However, it doesn’t usually take me this long to have the AHAH moment and it all coalesces into a huge vibrant picture and I gallop off into the proverbial sunset with the characters. Besides the reasons I’ve already listed, I think it’s because the scenes seem a bit disjointed. There’s not really a smooth transition from one character to the next and each scene is just them running around without any real meat to why they are doing so. I know that my fellow tour bloggers have enjoyed the book, so my review is in the minority. That’s not to say it’s not a great book for other readers. I just couldn’t get into it. Even though I DNF'd I'm giving it a 2 for the creativity.
its_justine's review
5.0
Full review over at Fantasy Book Critic
The light is darkest just before the dawn.
In a world marred and preyed upon by demons, Theailys An has one goal, to reforge The Keepers' Wrath in order to end the demons' dominion over those struggling for survival. With divine intervention at every turn, an everlasting conflict between the wielders of illum and mirkúr, and a history that seems to repeat itself, Thaeilys must secure what's needed to bring peace to a land that has been plagued by a war of shadows for millennia. But are his efforts propelling him towards a predetermined conclusion, or will he take heed to the prophecies bestowed upon him as he dreams?
Vultures is a tale of balance and the war between light and shadow, law and chaos, good and evil. These opposing forces the two sides of one coin, and the balance the minuscule edge on which everything teeters. A careful exploration into the human psyche through the concept of innate fractured personalities wanting and in need of differing final results, all battling for sovereignty. It is a tale of righting wrongs and altering the effects of histories past, and the painful sacrifices needed in order to do so. It is, hands down, one of the most ambitious and sophisticated stories I have ever read. After reading the preview chapter offered by the author, I went into this with high expectations, and I cannot express how elated I am that the remainder of the book completely exceeded everything I had hoped for. If this outstanding debut is anything to judge by, Luke Tarzian is one author everyone needs to keep an eye on.
The format of this book is quite unique in which we're transported to various interesting locations through a series of timelines, allowing us to witness crucial points in history while remaining in the present. As some books are immediately heavy on worldbuilding, Vultures creates its world, rich in culture and diversity, right before your eyes. Yes, ancient events are implied through their results, such as the mention of a dead city of rot, but we also get to see firsthand how this city has come to be a desiccated shell of shadow and ash. The use of dreams and dream-like states as vehicles for worldbuilding is brilliant, constructing the masterpiece around you, rather than dropping you in blindfolded or overwhelming you with copious amounts of details. At times it may seem the purpose of these mechanisms are unclear, but as the story continues, all threads converge to build a magnificent tapestry with perfect clarity.
The bold may wisely cage a wolf that wields the power to raise an army, Behtréal thought, but it is the arrogant, the ignorant who reach between the bars to slay the wolf's cubs.
Tarzian has created a cast of intricately complex characters, each possessing of different abilities, hailing from disparate regions around the world, and each with their own strengths and downfalls. Some are controlled by avatars of wrathful gods, others are phreznic, or consumed by multiple presences that attempt to take control of the physical body, others yet are are simply haunted by the past. While the book focuses on three main characters, namely Theailys, Serece, and Behtréal, we're also introduced to different aspects or personalties of these characters, allowing us to observe critical events as they occur from every angle. There are a variety of secondary characters that perfectly flesh out the story and add a bit of levity, but as diverse as they all are, they all have one thing in common: pain - pain from loss, pain from war, pain from past decisions made, pain of loneliness - bringing them together to rise up for a common cause.
There are so many facets of this book I want to shout praise for and I only wish I could discuss them in more detail, but this story contains one jaw-dropping revelation after another. So, out of fear of spoiling, I'll just say Vultures is beautifully written, amazingly plotted (this is a severe understatement), and so emotionally raw. Tarzian's prose is gorgeous and flowing and reminiscent of an epic saga; his words a meticulously honed knife searing into your heart, preventing you from putting the book down, lest you fear leaving the characters you've become acquainted with alone in the darkness. His world is strange and awe-inspiring, one that he allows you to catch glimpses of, leaving you wanting more. And finally, peeling away the layers to learn more about the grand scheme is one highly rewarding experience.
The Demon Prime is a force of nature, a wind that begins as a whisper and evolves into a storm of madness that you cannot comprehend.
I feel that anything I say will not give this story the justice it deserves, as it's one you need to personally experience. It's earnest, tackling some pretty personal and serious themes, such as loss and depression, never skirting around the severity of their terrible effects. However, we're always reminded that there is the light of dawn on the horizon. I've mentioned this in the past, and I'll continue to express how excited I always am to dive into the works of a new author, and this is definitely no exception. Vultures is simply one of the most stunning debuts I've ever read and a beautiful beginning to The Shadow Twins Trilogy. I highly recommend you give this one a try.
Note: A HUGE thanks to the author who provided me with an advanced copy of this book.
The light is darkest just before the dawn.
In a world marred and preyed upon by demons, Theailys An has one goal, to reforge The Keepers' Wrath in order to end the demons' dominion over those struggling for survival. With divine intervention at every turn, an everlasting conflict between the wielders of illum and mirkúr, and a history that seems to repeat itself, Thaeilys must secure what's needed to bring peace to a land that has been plagued by a war of shadows for millennia. But are his efforts propelling him towards a predetermined conclusion, or will he take heed to the prophecies bestowed upon him as he dreams?
Vultures is a tale of balance and the war between light and shadow, law and chaos, good and evil. These opposing forces the two sides of one coin, and the balance the minuscule edge on which everything teeters. A careful exploration into the human psyche through the concept of innate fractured personalities wanting and in need of differing final results, all battling for sovereignty. It is a tale of righting wrongs and altering the effects of histories past, and the painful sacrifices needed in order to do so. It is, hands down, one of the most ambitious and sophisticated stories I have ever read. After reading the preview chapter offered by the author, I went into this with high expectations, and I cannot express how elated I am that the remainder of the book completely exceeded everything I had hoped for. If this outstanding debut is anything to judge by, Luke Tarzian is one author everyone needs to keep an eye on.
The format of this book is quite unique in which we're transported to various interesting locations through a series of timelines, allowing us to witness crucial points in history while remaining in the present. As some books are immediately heavy on worldbuilding, Vultures creates its world, rich in culture and diversity, right before your eyes. Yes, ancient events are implied through their results, such as the mention of a dead city of rot, but we also get to see firsthand how this city has come to be a desiccated shell of shadow and ash. The use of dreams and dream-like states as vehicles for worldbuilding is brilliant, constructing the masterpiece around you, rather than dropping you in blindfolded or overwhelming you with copious amounts of details. At times it may seem the purpose of these mechanisms are unclear, but as the story continues, all threads converge to build a magnificent tapestry with perfect clarity.
The bold may wisely cage a wolf that wields the power to raise an army, Behtréal thought, but it is the arrogant, the ignorant who reach between the bars to slay the wolf's cubs.
Tarzian has created a cast of intricately complex characters, each possessing of different abilities, hailing from disparate regions around the world, and each with their own strengths and downfalls. Some are controlled by avatars of wrathful gods, others are phreznic, or consumed by multiple presences that attempt to take control of the physical body, others yet are are simply haunted by the past. While the book focuses on three main characters, namely Theailys, Serece, and Behtréal, we're also introduced to different aspects or personalties of these characters, allowing us to observe critical events as they occur from every angle. There are a variety of secondary characters that perfectly flesh out the story and add a bit of levity, but as diverse as they all are, they all have one thing in common: pain - pain from loss, pain from war, pain from past decisions made, pain of loneliness - bringing them together to rise up for a common cause.
There are so many facets of this book I want to shout praise for and I only wish I could discuss them in more detail, but this story contains one jaw-dropping revelation after another. So, out of fear of spoiling, I'll just say Vultures is beautifully written, amazingly plotted (this is a severe understatement), and so emotionally raw. Tarzian's prose is gorgeous and flowing and reminiscent of an epic saga; his words a meticulously honed knife searing into your heart, preventing you from putting the book down, lest you fear leaving the characters you've become acquainted with alone in the darkness. His world is strange and awe-inspiring, one that he allows you to catch glimpses of, leaving you wanting more. And finally, peeling away the layers to learn more about the grand scheme is one highly rewarding experience.
The Demon Prime is a force of nature, a wind that begins as a whisper and evolves into a storm of madness that you cannot comprehend.
I feel that anything I say will not give this story the justice it deserves, as it's one you need to personally experience. It's earnest, tackling some pretty personal and serious themes, such as loss and depression, never skirting around the severity of their terrible effects. However, we're always reminded that there is the light of dawn on the horizon. I've mentioned this in the past, and I'll continue to express how excited I always am to dive into the works of a new author, and this is definitely no exception. Vultures is simply one of the most stunning debuts I've ever read and a beautiful beginning to The Shadow Twins Trilogy. I highly recommend you give this one a try.
Note: A HUGE thanks to the author who provided me with an advanced copy of this book.