REVIEW: A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest by Zammar Ahmer
The final page of The Book of Astea has been turned, but now Zammar Ahmer returns to this darkly alluring world for one final farewell to these characters in A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest. Set roughly four years before the events of Riven Earth, this newsletter freebie companion prequel novella is an exciting little treat for fans of the series to soothe their soul after surviving the beautifully bittersweet ending of the duology.
Now, if you are familiar with Ahmer’s storytelling, then you should know that he is not afraid to go dark. But while that still holds true in A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest, this little adventure is remarkably more chill and light-hearted compared to the trauma, heartache and world-ending stakes that the main instalments in The Book of Astea duology deliver. Plus, the fact that the cockroach Maisades doesn’t make an appearance increases the cozy factor exponentially, so there is that.
Going back in time to see these characters in a happier state of mind before all went to utter hell was just an absolute joy, and I loved that we got to go on not one, not two, but three separate adventures with them as they all go off on their own little mission. Moreover, A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest features some characters who tragically died before the start of Riven Earth, and I really enjoyed seeing how they did (or maybe did not totally) live up to the legacy that they left behind in the main series.
For me, Otto and Tilly’s journey into the swamps was probably my favourite of the three storylines, but I was also captivated by Jaswyn and Raia’s nautical adventure and Kaido’s exhilarating expedition into the mountains. They are each faced with a lot more trials and tribulations than anyone could have anticipated (except for Uncle Galtus of course, just know that he called their idiocy, thank you very much), and seeing the profound character growth they all go through as they have to step up in unexpected ways to handle the conflicts in their way was so empowering and satisfying to experience.
Now, could you treat this prequel novella as your intro to the world of The Book of Astea? Technically yes, but realistically no. I mean, it doesn’t feature any spoilers and Ahmer’s immersive storytelling is undoubtedly strong enough to get you grounded and invested regardless, but I think this story really hits best if you already have a deeper connection to these characters from reading at least Riven Earth first.
For me, A Sojourn in the Sunset Forest was truly everything I didn’t know I needed from a prequel novella, and it is just beyond me how Ahmer managed to pack so much action, emotion, and intrigue into so few pages. Especially the sweet yet slightly heart wrenching epilogue had me completely in my feels with knowledge of what’s coming for these characters, while also giving me so much satisfying closure. If The Book of Astea wasn’t already one of my favourite series yet, then this companion novella absolutely solidified it; this is character-driven grimdark fantasy with heart at its very best.
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