Synopsis
REDLIN OF THE WOLVES
VANGUARD, LEGEND, ASSASSIN, REAPER
Listen to my story
I wasn’t always the monster they see me as. Half of the songs they sing are stories of my grandeur. The other half are tales of my misdeeds.
The sad truth is that they’re all true.
So, listen to my tale and learn why it all happened. Learn the reason for the war, the reason for all the death.
Listen to my tale and listen well. I won’t be alive long enough to tell it again.
A moody, banter-laced, violent, and poetic framed story – Z.B. Steele presents Whispers of the Storm, book one of Song of the Damned.
Review
The Name of the Wind, Blood Song, Empire of the Vampire fans, do I have a five-star recommendation for you!!
Redlin of the Wolves. Vanguard, the Thunderblade, The Justicars’ Revenge, The Reaper in the Winds, The Assassin in Grey. The Storm Itself. It’s a lot of titles for the most wanted man in the empire who is now a captured prisoner. He recounts his life story on his way to his execution. We have a coming of age story, an academy, training, a hunter on the streets, magic, intrigue….
The writing is incredible. Witty and clever that keeps you on your toes and endeared to Redlin.
Yet, it is also full of hurt and regret at times. There is a particular instance that shows power dynamics that we tend to ignore when it concerns young boys (especially those who are warriors) which broke my heart.
Grief is like a wet cloak that wraps around your body and weighs you down. Rage is like a fire. You may have to burn part of your good nature to keep it burning, but at that time I would have rather burned all my kindness away than continue to mope.
Redlin craves a life of grandeur, of consequence, of fame. He is ambitious and wants to be the best. His internal conflict and latter reflection are reminiscent of Kvothe in the NotW, and I don’t say that lightly.
There is a cryptic cynicism apparent in the narrative that I was a sucker for.
What I loved is that you can tell Steele is a fantasy connoisseur. There are references to other books, indie books, publishers, and bookstores. They were Easter Eggs that made me inwardly smile and also feel smugly proud.
This is one of my few five-star books of the year and a favourite indie read. As far as first reviews on FanFiAddict goes, I hope this one convinces you to add Z. B. Steele’s dark, still full of heart, fantasy to your list!
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