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Review: A Memory of Song (First Verse of The Last Ballad) by Scott Palmer

April 25, 2024 by The Wulvers Library Leave a Comment

Rating: 7/10

Synopsis

In a dying land, the armies of the dead hold sway. And those who rule them are more god than human. 

James Culdaine, the last heir of the Northern Throne, was just a young man when the armies of the South murdered his parents and subjugated his lands. He has never forgotten those responsible, nor has he forgiven. He has spent the last ten years living in isolation with The Feldarra; a sacred Northern clan of fierce warriors, led by the fearless Wulfee who, still reeling from the loss of her own children, finds new meaning in protecting what only family she has left.

Now, an ancient order of warlocks has returned to the North, singing dark songs composed of blood magic that null the elements and threaten all that is living.

With nature depleted and the Southern armies returning to the North, James struggles to embrace the unique power he has long tried to repress; the ability to commune with the spirits of the dead. In the bitter heart of a growing war, with the world dying around them, James and Wulfee desperately seek answers, vengeance, and a way to save the ones they love… No matter the cost.

Fires refuse to burn. The skies are thirsty and breathless. The earth won’t eat its rot…

Welcome to Ardura. 

Review

Ai’mair Darra – Love and Protection

A Memory of Song by Scott Palmer was high on my anticipated list and I was buzzing to see the ARC come to my inbox. I was not disappointed! If you’re going to market something as Braveheart meets Game of Thrones then you can bet a wee haggis that I’ll be expecting that and Scott delivered.

Firstly, we are thrust into this story from page one. Things happen straight from the outset and it really bring the story to life from the very beginning. I’m reminded of John Gwynne in the writing, it’s brutal and bloody from the start but also full of lore. I enjoyed this, it made a change from a slow burn build up and really threw us deep into this story yearning for more.

I enjoyed the characters, some more than others. James Culdaine is an interesting character, a young man whose parents were murdered now speands years spent in isolation. Wulfee, who has lost her children, is hellbent on revenge. Two opposing character journeys but both as rewarding. These characters go through many trials and tribulations that don’t let up but each as impactful as the last.

The magic system itself is uniquely creative. Palmer has mixed the Sixth Sense with, what feels like, act III in the Lord of the Rings. I won’t spoil much here but it’s interesting how Palmer has woven this throughout the story. We aren’t told much from the start but every leak of information gives us more.

The world-building itself was a personal favourite. These characters go on a journey and through certain things the world is opened up more. We see diverse races, different landscapes and with this comes other perspectives. The way that Palmer has worked all this together is a brilliant feat.

This was an all-round outstanding novel and I can’t wait for more from Scott Palmer.

Filed Under: Reviews

About The Wulvers Library

My name is Graham, reading as The Wulvers Library. I'm from Scotland and have been reading from a young age but this fell off through my teenage years. In my adult life, I fell back in love with reading when I picked up Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time and Ursula K Le Guin's Earthsea and was fascinated by these worlds, characters, and stories. From there I've read mostly fantasy, some sci-fi and horror and try to dabble in other genres. My favourite authors include Robert Jordan, JRR Tolkien, Ryan Cahill, Ursula K Le Guin and Brandon Sanderson. I'm a massive fan of indie books, and some of my favourite series are from indie authors so I'm always on the lookout for some hidden gems.

When I'm not reading, I love spending being a film addict with my girlfriend or visiting small towns and scouting some rare finds in their charity shops.

I'm happy to be part of the book community and blame them all for the lack of shelf space and inability to pass by a bookstore without stepping inside.

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