Synopsis
Welcome to the Abyss
Formaria – a labyrinthine network of underground tunnels – is home to the Fromryr. An alliance of humans, dwarves, elves, and gnomes, they fight an endless war with ancient technologies. Technologies they don’t truly understand but deploy with devastating effect.
Above the surface, exorcist Kalbrayeth Lyander investigates a possible demonic incursion. When he discovers a body imbued with unknown sorceries he finds himself in possession of a secret he never wanted. A secret that threatens to break centuries long alliances and drag Formaria into a war it cannot afford.
Below the surface, Brazier Veranquis, the First Officer of ice miner the Chalice of Amaranth, responds to a distress signal from an unidentified gyre ship. What he and his crew find leaves them fleeing for their lives. When their paths cross Lyander, they realise what they found threatens to bring down all of Formaria.
War is coming and with an enemy outmatching even the mighty Fromryr. Uncertain of who to trust and embroiled in political intrigue, Lyander and Brazier must do everything they can to prevent Formaria’s fall. The odds are against them. But in the abyss, one ship can change the fate of millions.
Review
This was an absolute blast of a novel. Eluthienn: A Tale Of The Fromryr by Sam Middleton is a dark, fast-paced fantasy meets sci-fi story that has a creative storyline.
The world-building here is amazing and I was a fan of how distinct each character was. We have all sorts from elves to exorcists and this bonds well with the insane politics, magic and science that we see develop over the course of this novel. Middleton has created a brilliant blend of fantasy and sci-fi that is incredibly appealing. The world itself is interesting and a brilliantly unique setting.
The characters themselves are well-established and I enjoyed their dynamic. Lyander, a knight turned exorcist, and Brazier, the son of a traitor, are engaging and whilst they offer a similar adventure, each POV is a mix of action and development. Even the side characters have their own personalities and moments. There were side characters that I rooted for which is something that authors sometimes fail and feel one-dimensional but Middleton encapsulated this world and its inhabitants brilliantly.
The plot itself was surprising. I went into this novel with minimal information but was surprised at how diverse and page-turning it was. It was so creative and enthralling and shows that Middleton’s imagination really flourished and kept me going throughout. This is a fast-paced romp of epic proportions and I’m thoroughly excited to see what else comes from the mind of Sam Middleton.
A fantastic fantasy sci-fi story that ticked all my boxes.
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