Synopsis:
The British Bureau for the Arcane has kept people safe for centuries from the arcane species that seek to harm human beings. Their range extends to Commonwealth nations that were part of the British Empire. A once-proud part of the British Secret Service, their success in controlling the arcane races has been their downfall. These beings now live on the edge of survival in remote parts of Britain. Or, at least they did.
For Arlo Austin, a loyal but troubled agent for the Bureau, something is wrong. When he’s sent to protect the citizens of the Shetland Isles from rampaging Norwegian trolls, it soon becomes apparent it was an attempt on his life. When another agent dies in mysterious circumstances, and Arlo is warned of an impending war with arcane species, his instincts are proved right.
But who is behind this rebellion? Could it be linked to Arlo’s own bloodline as a Dark Elf? His traumatic childhood holds secrets, ones that are going to test his loyalty to the Bureau. In their cells, another Dark Elf is held prisoner, one who is so despised by its staff, their hatred has extended to Arlo. This species is violent and vengeful, can they recruit one of their own to bring about the destruction of the Bureau? And in so doing, enable the arcane races to wage war against the human race.
Review:
This book, I think, wins the award for the longest title of any book I’ve read. And that cover just draws you in with a promise of a tale of the seedier side of the arcane. I have to admit, other than that, I didn’t know what to expect, coming in blind. What I got was a dark tale, where the central character, Arlo, is revealed to us piece by piece throughout the book. Much of this is grim, a background of persecution and deception that has left him holding on to the memory and beliefs of his father and thus a key role in the Bureau. For Arlo is of dark elf origin, and therefore reviled and hated by most arcane races, but also the humans he works for. This is central to the character as well as the plot ‒ that not-quite fitting in, and the racism he is subjected to on all sides for trying. Parker draws you in slowly, and though Arlo is a simple soul filled with anger, he continues to battle the forces both within and without the Bureau that threaten to pull it down. I’m a sucker for the honourable veteran, especially those that have a grudge against the world, and this dark elf sure does take it out on those who get in his way!
The author has added a warning to the book. There are some very dark moments and violence, which perhaps the cover doesn’t convey, but these are moments and not persistent throughout the book. The plot focuses on internal divisions, the realisation that there is something rotten at the heart of the Bureau, and that there may be a war brewing with the remnants of the arcane races. This leads to a fraught investigation, murder, set-ups and double-crosses that keep the story moving along at pace while laced with flashbacks of Arlo’s past that never quite seem to fit together (and that’s all I’m saying). Amidst this, the reader doesn’t get much chance for a breath, and there are the odd plot elements that perhaps are not foreshadowed enough, so feel like a leap rather than an ‘aha’ moment. However, I read this book in a day and a half because I just wanted to know.
Is it for you? If you are in the mood for a modern-day, arcane-drenched tale with a dark British folklore flavour, then yes.
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