Synopsis
A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril, has returned to the noble household he once served as page, and is named, to his great surprise, as the secretary-tutor to the beautiful, strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is next in line to rule.
It is an assignment Cazaril dreads, for it will ultimately lead him to the place he fears most, the royal court of Cardegoss, where the powerful enemies, who once placed him in chains, now occupy lofty positions. In addition to the traitorous intrigues of villains, Cazaril and the Royesse Iselle, are faced with a sinister curse that hangs like a sword over the entire blighted House of Chalion and all who stand in their circle. Only by employing the darkest, most forbidden of magics, can Cazaril hope to protect his royal charge—an act that will mark the loyal, damaged servant as a tool of the miraculous, and trap him, flesh and soul, in a maze of demonic paradox, damnation, and death.
Review
Part of my “9 epic fantasy books by 9 female authors” challenge, this was a phenomenal, Robin Hobb-esque book. Set in a living, breathing world, where gods are more than simple names invoked in prayer, and filled with a fabulous cast of characters, we follow Cazaril on his path of personal and professional redemption. There is death magic and politics, slavery and scheming, oh and demons. The best and worst of humanity is on display here, and the plot is driven by a thirty-something man who has been through a *lot*
It’s Hobb-esque in terms of pacing, scope, the slice-of-life vibe (especially in the opening chapters), as well as the utter trauma and torture that many characters experience. But it absolutely stands on its own beside Realm of the Elderlings, though this has more divine magic than the magic you’d expect to see in an epic fantasy.
Caz is a wonderful protagonist. He’s a man in his mid-thirties who shows kindness and humility, but isn’t afraid to act when needed. He struck the perfect balance between active and passive, and always shines throughout. Though the entire story is told only from his POV, I never felt like we “missed” something happening elsewhere. Truly a single POV written excellently
I went into this thinking it to be a standalone, and it absolutely can be (it has a solid ending) although I know there are more books in this series/universe.
A fantastic depiction of belief, and what it means to different people
My only main gripe was the main character lusting after/romance developing with the 19yo friend/handmaiden of the 16yo “princess” which made me quite uncomfortable. If it weren’t for this (or at least, if the ages/power imbalance was sorted out), I’d probably give this the full five stars.
It feels like classic fantasy, it reads like classic fantasy, and I enjoyed it very much!
I listened to the audiobook, and though there were some odd pauses and breathing from the narrator, it was a solid and enjoyable production.
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