Synopsis:
Centuries ago, necromancy almost destroyed the world. That’s how history remembers it.
History remembers it wrong.
Mathaiik has studied all his life to join the sacred order of the Idallik Knights, charged with defending their world from the forces of necromancy. Only vestiges of that cursed magic remain – nothing like the fabled days of the Grim Lords, the undead wizards who once nearly destroyed the world.
Until monsters once more begin to wake. But something about them is even stranger: whole forests coming alive and devouring anyone so foolish as to trespass, formerly peaceful animals mutating into savage carnivores . . . the land itself has turned upon humanity and the Knights are powerless to stop it.
It’s a good thing, then, that the Grim Lords were never truly destroyed. One of their number sleeps below the Knights’ very fortress. And when an army of twisted tree monsters attacks the young initiates in his charge, Math decides to do the unthinkable: he wakes her up.
Review:
Whacky, wild, witty, woody.
I have a few authors whom I always keep an eye out for as they blow me away with innovative world-building and distant characters despite their backlog of writing.
Mathaiik, a novice knight, tries to save his world from mutated, carnivorous forests and awakened, ancient monsters.
He is helped by a sleeping girl in a tomb he woke. No, not a princess, but a reawakened, legendary necromancer.
I love it when the characters are strong and smart and sharp, but I still want to hug them.
“One should not show kindness or sympathy only when it is convenient.” Math spoke before the argument could deepen. “It’s about being willing to make sacrifices.”
The world-building is unique – filled with sentient plants, necromancy, a magical order of knights, and crazy creatures. Just like I have come to expect from Jenn Lyons. If you love RJ Barker, you need to try Lyons out.
I have no idea how she does it, but this is an entirely satisfying standalone that gives you a full story whilst making you want more. In this sense, it reminded me of The Everlasting by Alix E Harrow.
I did find that pacing odd at times. Similarly, the romance felt undeveloped and cheesy, but considering the amount packed into the book, I can’t complain too much.
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