Never again will the recs of book influencers determine the choice of my next read!
The past few months have seen me struggle through a reading slump that got me DNF more books than finished and enjoyed. Now, I'm quickly realising that many book bloggers in the fantasy space aren't being fully honest about their opinions of the books they read.
Whether stemming from book promotion purposes or merely a need to inflate the egos of various authors, it's becoming more difficult to find a source of fantasy book recommendations that is completely unbiased.
I came across a glowing review of The Blood Stones by Janny Wurts on Goodreads and decided, for the first time, to follow the lead of a published author rather than my fellow book bloggers.
And boy, wasn't I thrilled?!!
When the king of a thriving kingdom loses his crown prince, the threads of power begin to fray, prompting a chain of drastic steps designed to stabilize the throne while remaining half a step ahead of the scheming council members who circle the summit like wolves, seeking advantage.
For Councillor Hallix, two of his brood will determine the very fate of the kingdom, albeit in a capacity yet to be determined, and for Master Lohi, loremaster and teacher of kings, the crown prince's death is an opportunity to put together the final pieces of a plan years in the brewing.
What will happen to Councillor Hallix's two sons, and will the potential intertwining of their fates see the triumph of his house over that of his political rivals? And, with a bigger conflict shaping up in the shadows, who will be exalted, and who will be vulnerable?
Far south to the wildlands of Malek, a young warrior fiercely loyal to her tribe and the traditions of her people receives a vision of blood and death. Her entire life is soon wrapped up in it, and she begins on a path of destiny, even as she struggles to protect the ones she loves.
But will fate be kind to her?
I raced through the first half of this book- such was the quality of the writing and the nature of the pacing.
Everything happens within only a few years, but we're treated to first-rate character development, and the passage of time melds seamlessly with the progression of the MCs as seen from three POVs.
In The Blood Stones, Tori Tecken reveals a most wonderful world of fantasy, one where the starkest deeds of man are laid bare, and the inner battle waged within every man is at its most intense.
It's hard to pick a favorite character, as each of the three MCs tugs at your heartstrings, even as their purpose sometimes seems to be at odds with the other. Xario's stoic simplicity is at odds with Syndri's bloodthirsty rashness, and while Gehrin's character development is at a more balanced trajectory, you get the feeling that he's as capable as the other two combined.
While many readers would see the plot twist coming from a mile off, I still delighted in the revelation. However, this meant I was deprived of the chaotic climax I'd hoped for. Still, the ending points to a more exciting story to come.
It's admirable how the author manages the increasing expectations of her audience throughout the story, as feelings are heightened and tensions thicken with each new chapter.
The Blood Stones is a new political fantasy thriller from the stable of a masterful storyteller and builder of passionate characters. If you haven't read this, you're in the wrong!
