Riven Earth is the first installment in a new duology titled The Book of Astea. As a debut, the story is quite remarkable, and the cover art is amazing, too. My profound thanks go to the author and BookSirens for the eArc.
The prose is reminiscent of the masters of the epic fantasy genre while painting emotionally complex characters. The details within and the method of writing in describing his world are to be applauded. I would love to read more of this.
But still...I would have wished the world-building to have been more explicit in the sense that when an author is introducing fantastic creatures, both sentient and otherwise, leaving the bulk of the necessary explanation trickling through slowly can be a bit taxing. After all, beauty and its comprehension lies in the details. I did notice it got much better after the halfway mark, though, and the ride was smoother thence.
Zammar weaves a tale about a harsh world in which humanity has been enslaved and kept at the level of stone age technologies with the aid of powerful magic wielded by fantastically realized creatures called Dryads.
Then King Isaiah comes along and discovers the secret of fire, becoming a literal Prometheus to his people, unshackling and freeing humanity from the abhorrent enslavement and worship of the Earth-Mother, Astea.
I am drawn to this book. A thousand reports to sign yet my pen once again finds this faded paper.
Years ago, I fancied myself a historian. The True History. Or so I named my vain creation. Now I am shamed such words were ever put to page. And that, by me. For I am too close to the history of things to tell the true tale. My feeble attempt did little more than turn the story of our kingdom into a chronicle of my own pain.
I should burn this book.
And yet, near every day, I find myself reading those words written with a younger man’s memory. I cling to them. For the days pass, and they are all I have left of a life long gone.
I should not be so weak.
- Reflections by King Isaiah
But...The world isn't as it seems, and the variables unaccounted for by the savior come into play, destabilizing the fledgling empire.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, and I think it can only get better from this one.
Riven Earth is recommended for all fantasy enthusiasts looking for something unique and new in a genre filled with tropes.
Riven Earth has just the right touch of literary fiction, making the story feel quite deep and introspective.
