TL;DR Review: A breathtakingly epic world and high stakes adventure with an intriguing cast of complex, well-developed characters.
Synopsis:
Some secrets are best left to the shadows. But shadows have a mind of their own.
The ancient land of Quinaria teeters on the brink of war, as its most precious resource is unearthed and exploited. Three nations have maintained tenuous peace for centuries, but as the life-giving nevethium dwindles, rumors of an ancient evil long thought dead spread like wildfire.
Elaysia never wanted to lead. As the high chieftain’s only surviving heir, she’s thrust into a role that jeopardizes the already fragile peace. A deadly attack on the day of her induction strengthens her resolve—and her suspicion that her parents’ murders and these disturbing rumors are connected.
With newfound companions, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. But as they unravel layers of secrets, they find themselves in the clutches of a dictator whose unethical nevethium experimentation threatens to bring about a new world of terror and violence.
Elaysia and her allies could be all that stands between war and a dying world—if their conflicting ambitions don’t destroy them first.
Full Review:
From the first page, I was blown away by how much depth and complexity of worldbuilding Of Thieves and Shadows introduced.
The world we’re sucked into is divided into three general flavors: the powerful Empire, with its grand Imperial palaces, all-powerful evil Emperor, and armies of fanatical soldiers willing to do anything to get ahead; the land of the Neharem, with its gorgeous tree-built villages and its tribal folk (with a blend of Native American, Meso-American, and Central African cultures that I absolutely loved); and the cities, ports, and villages we visit along the journey, each with its own distinct color and culture.
Quinaria is truly one of the most fascinating worlds I’ve ventured into, especially when we get to see the perspective of both the Imperial citizens and the people of Neharem.
The characters are fascinating, too:
- Elaysia, the queen-to-be of the Neharem who feels trapped by duty and wants nothing more than freedom from her responsibilities.
- Zavik, who’s madly in love with Elaysia, her best friend, loyal companion, and outsider among the Neharem.
- Konar, the kindly advisor and trusted advisor to Elaysia…who happens to be hiding dark secrets of his own.
- Lumira, thief and sometime assassin who is brought into Elaysia’s confidences, turning from enemy to trusted ally—and, eventually, savior?
- Jakki, Elaysia’s other best friend, who is willing to use that friendship to gain power and influence among the tribes, and whose drive may lead her down dark paths.
There is so much ground covered in this story—and I do mean that literally! We spend only a fraction of our time in Neharem, but are quickly swept away to explore faraway lands, from deserts to forests to oceans to mystical underground labyrinths.
The story is not afraid to go dark, but it stays firmly in the realm of a proper epic, and promises to take us on a journey that we will never forget.
I can’t wait to see what the author has coming for us in the next and future installments.
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