Synopsis
Brandon Sanderson’s Rhythm of War meets Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time in this epic fantasy mystery adventure.
EXILED FROM HEAVEN. FORCED INTO HELL.
For centuries, the Aobians of the Great Tree have shared the continent of Q’ara with humanity. A select few known as Sleepers are empowered by Luminosity, the Tree’s greatest blessing.
Drift, a young and cynical Aobian, has been exiled from his homeland – forever. Now, with no understanding of this condemnation, Drift must traverse the land of humans below, and find his purpose in an ever-changing world. Tarri, his betrothed, seeks to do the same, whilst also bringing him home.
Elsewhere on Q’ara, an unknown organisation seeks to weaponise Luminosity for their own nefarious purposes. Drift himself is a part of this puzzle, and it quickly becomes apparent that the struggle for true power in Q’ara is emerging for reasons greater than anyone is prepared to grasp.
Review
Though this review is written in 2025, I dare say that An Exile of Water and Gold is one of, if not the best debut novel of 2024. Joshua Walker has created a world with imagination to envy the fantasy titans of the genre, both modern and classic. While Exile feels like a classic fantasy tale, it avoids cliche tropes by integrating fresh new races, interesting politics and cultures, and a magic system that relies on sleeping and bioluminescence. This story is one of the most unique fantasy stories I have read while managing to bring the comfort of a familiar fantasy style.
The story itself revolves around two mysteries that tie the reader to two different lands, making the characters within them much more admirable. This book has its share of action, especially during the epic conclusion, but finds much more value in a web of conspiracy that revolves around a shocking inciting incident. Fans of Brandon Sanderson will find themselves at home in the words of Joshua Walker who has mastered storytelling in his debut novel.
The story is wrapped up in a satisfying manner with brilliant hints at the deeper secrets of the world that have writers begging for more. Fortunately, the author has a prequel novella (The Rest to the Gods) and an upcoming novella that will be released on February 4 (The Child of the Greenwood) prior to the October 2025 release of book 2, An Empire of Dirt & Lies.
With strong characters and a captivating mystery at its core, An Exile of Water and Gold should be read by every fan of epic fantasy. With such a stunning start to his career, Joshua Walker will soon become a familiar name in fantasy.
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