Vultures (Shadow Twins #1) by Luke Tarzian

Dec 02, 2019 Nick Borrelli rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I have to admit that I have been wracking my brain all weekend trying to figure out how to write a review of this book. Not because it's not a good book, mind you. It is! Rather more so because it feels like a dark fantasy version of a David Lynch movie, incorporating alternate timelines and realities that deliver a plot consisting of a healthy dose of philosophical theory. So can you see where I might have a hard time describing that in a review? Be that as it may, I will attempt to do just tha I have to admit that I have been wracking my brain all weekend trying to figure out how to write a review of this book. Not because it's not a good book, mind you. It is! Rather more so because it feels like a dark fantasy version of a David Lynch movie, incorporating alternate timelines and realities that deliver a plot consisting of a healthy dose of philosophical theory. So can you see where I might have a hard time describing that in a review? Be that as it may, I will attempt to do just that.

VULTURES is told through three separate points of view. The first is Theailys An, a man whose major goal in life is to once and for all eradicate the demon hordes who continually pour out from a place called the Heart of Mirkur. These creatures should have been all but destroyed following the great battle that supposedly killed the evil demon lord Te Mirkvahil and his minions. Yet they persist infecting the land around and leaving corpses in their wake. Theailys believes his only shot is to reforge a weapon of legend that will end the menace and save the people of Ariath.

The second POV character is Serece, an unwilling participant in Ariath's troubles but at the same time thrown into these events due to a premonition that she feels regarding Theailys and his true identity. She finds herself both repulsed and drawn to this man in some inexplicable way and simply can't find a way to let things go without first finding out the deeper ramifications and meaning behind what Theailys is ultimately up to.

The last POV is the enigmatic Behtreal, committed to walk this world in solitude forever with the hope of bringing his people back to their former glory. His means of doing so may bring him, like the other main characters in this story, to the brink of madness. And as we realize that their storylines will at some point inevitably converge, we are also left knowing that something otherworldy and catastrophic may be at hand that could change the history of this world forever.

As I turned the final page of VULTURES by Luke Tarzian, I felt utterly exhausted for a couple of different reasons. The first was an unbelievably powerful and amazing ending, but also the entire reading journey that it took to get me to that point. This isn't a book that you can just skim through and get the gist of. It takes your full time and attention with every page and chapter to appreciate that final payoff. Tarzian asks you to put in a little work for your enjoyment. Frankly these are the types of books that are the most rewarding to me as a reader.

Expounding on that, this isn't so much a fantasy book as it is a multi-level reading experience. The alternating timelines are a fantastic vehicle which convey the crucial events that are what make up this incredible dark fantasy tale. Luke's writing is beautifully evocative and part of what also makes this such a strong story as a whole is his ability to paint wondrous pictures with words. Often times these pictures are stark and ominous but they are described so vividly and in such great detail that you savor every bit of it and then want more.

Lastly I have to commend Luke Tarzian on his magical world-building. I'm at a loss to try and figure out how he came up with this wondrous setting in his head. It reminded me a little of Peter Newman's Vagrant series but with a great deal more texture and complexity. I was stunned by the beauty of VULTURES and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a dark fantasy book that challenges you at every turn but also really entertains you at the same time. It's also a book that you want to reread immediately after finishing it to see if you missed anything the first time around.

I am eagerly anticipating the next book in Luke Tarzian's Shadow Twins series. If it is anything close to VULTURES, I know that I'm going to be in for one heck of a ride. Pick it up if you have the chance, I guarantee that you won't regret it. An engaging and thought-provoking read to say the least. ...more

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Sep 01, 2019 Nils | nilsreviewsit rated it really liked it · review of another edition

‘We are on your doorstep, monster, and we will see your end. The light is darkest just before the dawn, and when we finally meet, it will be my blade that sets fire in your eyes and wipes you from this world.’

Vultures is a self-published debut novel by Luke Tarzian and is the first book in the Shadow Twins series. I was lucky enough to win this book in a giveaway on Twitter, hosted by Justine Bergman, and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read this. I have to start by saying this is one of th ‘We are on your doorstep, monster, and we will see your end. The light is darkest just before the dawn, and when we finally meet, it will be my blade that sets fire in your eyes and wipes you from this world.’

Vultures is a self-published debut novel by Luke Tarzian and is the first book in the Shadow Twins series. I was lucky enough to win this book in a giveaway on Twitter, hosted by Justine Bergman, and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read this. I have to start by saying this is one of the most unique books I’ve read in quite some time. In just over 300 pages Tarzian creates a story where the reader enters a surreal and dreamlike world, filled with a myriad of complex characters.

Vultures is a book that is multilayered. There are many plots happening, many timelines represented, and many deceptions that take place. Therefore I cannot go into detail about the plot, as there would inevitably be spoilers. So, here’s the bare bones of the story: Vultures begins with our main protagonist Theailys An, who is on a mission to forge a weapon called The Keeper’s Wrath. This weapon is believed to have the power to enable Theailys to eradicate the demon Te Mirkvahil, who is destroying the land, and put an end to the long-fought war. Now, I know this doesn’t sound terribly unique, but trust me, it is, because throughout the narrative Tarzian delivers to us a world where nothing is as it seems, and finding a balance amid the chaos is the key.

This theme of balance and chaos, or more broadly speaking of light versus shadow, is most effectively represented through the characters. For example, Theailys An has two sides to him. You could say he has a devil and an angel on his shoulder; they are shadows that manifest, they are voices in his head, and they are both rivalling to take control of his body. In fact, often the darker side to him does take over, and he blacks out. Upon awakening he finds himself amid scenes of utter carnage, but has no memory of being the cause of it. Similarly our main female protagonist, Serece, also faces this same dilemma, as she has a violent rage within her, a rage she believes a goddess evokes and controls.

Throughout the story, they both feel ultimate remorse for the people that have been killed by their hands or sacrificed; they cannot forgive themselves, and the path to finding redemption brings them to the brink of insanity. These characters just drip with so much melancholy. I absolutely admire how Tarzian explores the human psyche here, in such a fascinating way. Was is it they who committed these acts? Was it a mental illness? Has a darker malevolent being possessed them? Or is this just history repeating itself? Tarzian throws us quite a few twists in the narrative that constantly keep us guessing at the answers to these puzzles.

‘The poets say that one’s fear grows less with trial, that we become men without fear if we tried enough. I have not found it to be so. Rather, on each occasion we are tested, we become stronger than our fears. It is all we can do. Must do. Lest we perish for our failings.’

Now, this leads me to discuss the world building, and I feel Tarzian really excels here. Not only do we have the power of light, Illum, and the dark power of Murkir, which certain characters can wield, but also in the land of Helveden, where our story is set, there are a multitude of celestial characters, manifested demons such as Lokyn, shapeshifters, Phalantaxians who are afflicted with a plague, and illumurgists who can delve into dreams. All of these work to create a rich, diverse cultural setting that is skilfully woven throughout the story.

In all honesty, during the middle of the book, I did get too confused at times, and a tad frustrated at myself! There is a lot to comprehend; having an abundance of varied characters, all with many layers of manipulations, and also having a timeline that often jumps from past to present and sometimes even into the future too. However, I learnt that all I had to do was trust in Tarzian’s narrative style, because as we begin to reach the climax of the story he sophisticatedly guides the reader towards a semblance of understanding and clarity with many revelations. We do not understand everything, but I soon realised that’s because we are not meant to; we are to feel uncertainty, just as the characters do.

As I’ve stated already, Vultures is very surreal. This is not only because one of the major themes specifically focuses on dreams and their interpretations, but it is also certainly due to the beautiful atmospheric dreamlike prose. Each scene is written like a scene in a play; you can almost imagine the characters as actors upon a stage. So I found towards the end that all I needed to do was sit back and patiently let the act play out until Tarzian delivered the jaw-dropping finale.

To wrap up this review, I think Tarzian has created an impressive, intricate debut which, though slightly challenging, is also immensely pleasing to become immersed into. If you love prose that is dreamlike, fluid, and often poignant, then I suggest giving Vultures a read. ...more

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May 04, 2019 Justine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Full review over at Fantasy Book Critic

The light is darkest just before the dawn.

In a world marred and preyed upon by demons, Theailys An has one goal, to reforge The Keepers' Wrath in order to end the demons' dominion over those struggling for survival. With divine intervention at every turn, an everlasting conflict between the wielders of illum and mirkúr, and a history that seems to repeat itself, Thaeilys must secure what's needed to bring peace to a land that has been plagued by a war of sh ...more

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Aug 28, 2020 Michael Sliter rated it really liked it

I’ve been on a self published kick, of late, for a few reasons. One. I want to support authors like myself. We’re in it together and all that. Two, the last two trad pub books I read (both finales) were huge letdowns. And three, I’ve been in the mood for something different. Luke Tarzian’s Vultures definitely delivers on being something different.

Backing up, I came across Luke’s writing in an anthology book called Dark Ends. I was immediately intrigued. His story was a dark and haunting tale tha I’ve been on a self published kick, of late, for a few reasons. One. I want to support authors like myself. We’re in it together and all that. Two, the last two trad pub books I read (both finales) were huge letdowns. And three, I’ve been in the mood for something different. Luke Tarzian’s Vultures definitely delivers on being something different.

Backing up, I came across Luke’s writing in an anthology book called Dark Ends. I was immediately intrigued. His story was a dark and haunting tale that equal parts captivated and confused me. I enjoyed it, and though it wasn’t my favorite story in the anthology (Dragon Meat was), it was the one that pulled me the most. So I picked up Vultures as my next read.

i certainly wasn’t disappointed. The first thing that stood out is the writing. I don’t know how he keeps up that level of beauty for the duration of the book. The prose itself is phenomenal.

In terms of story, you have Theailys An, an emotionally crushed guy seeking to recreate a powerful magically weapon from far in the past called the Keeper’s Wrath. He has a particular set of powers that allows him to do this. Oh, and he's possessed by a sort of demon. Serece, an immortal/plague-ridden woman, hates Thealiys, but finds that their paths are interwoven. Given that Theailys looks a lot like a man from the past who used the Keeper's Wrath to destroy, well, a shit ton of stuff, she seeks to find out exactly why that might be the case.

There is a definite theme of balance through out. Light requires darkness. Peace requires entropy. The worldbuilding in general is really well-done; the world seems dark, gritty. A little mad. Demons taking over the bodies and minds of humans contribute to that. There was one scene, from the past, that particularly stood out as intense.

My biggest complaint was that, with all of the shifting timelines, I definitely lost track of what was going on at times. I like to think I'm a pretty savvy reader and can hold a lot in my memory, but even so, I struggle to figure out the connections or motivations of the different characters. If you are looking for a story that is an easy read, this probably isn't the one for you. If you are willing to work for it, you will enjoy it.

Overall, glad I read this and give it four stars. I'll definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out. Especially after that ending! ...more

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Jan 10, 2020 Mili rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: own-the-book

I flew through this book! Luke writes so smoothly and rich~ The world is dark and ominous, infested with demons. There is dark/ Mirkur and light/Illum magic both with their own traits. You get to know characters one by one and how their paths are starting to cross. Something bigger pushing the strings. You feel it but it is not certain yet. And while you follow the characters all of them having their own inner demons to battle you find out there is a darker force. Something lurking and influenci ...more

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Jun 16, 2019 Angela Boord rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: indie, fantasy

I really enjoyed Vultures, and the 4 stars rating is more like 4.25+. Very much recommended to those who like their fantasy poetic, literary, and philosophical, but still want all the classical fantasy magic and demon-fighting, too.

This is a very ethereal, dreamlike book, whose writing style only serves to heighten the strange world in which one is never sure whether the voices in the character's heads really exist or not. Half the suspense for me lay in trying to figure out what was actually go I really enjoyed Vultures, and the 4 stars rating is more like 4.25+. Very much recommended to those who like their fantasy poetic, literary, and philosophical, but still want all the classical fantasy magic and demon-fighting, too.

This is a very ethereal, dreamlike book, whose writing style only serves to heighten the strange world in which one is never sure whether the voices in the character's heads really exist or not. Half the suspense for me lay in trying to figure out what was actually going on... and I don't mean that in a bad way. This is a book in which the reader is dumped into a world that bewilders the characters as much as anyone else. At every turn, the characters are forced to confront hard philosophical questions that will ultimately affect the fates of their loved ones, as well as thousands of people. Is it truth? Is it madness? If I operate from good intentions, will it save me from doing evil? The physical plot gets a bit twisty, too, which is always a bonus for me as a reader.

Because of the dreamlike nature of the book, the characters are held at a bit of a distance, but I still found myself building a relationship with them... and particularly with the tortured yet determined protagonist, Theailys An. I liked Theailys, and I thought the treatment of what *might* be his mental illness was fascinating and realistic. Sometimes I did wish that the emotional reactions of the characters were explored a little more deeply. There was one event in particular that seemed like it ought to have hit with many more shock waves than it caused... and I could never figure out if the reactions were reasonable because of the way the world was constructed or if there really should have been more of them. So... this issue may just be a personal one.

(As a sidenote, I loved all the names in the book, but my favorite was Phantaxis/the Phantaxians. I love it when the names reinforce the overall feeling and tone of the book, and in this case, I definitely thought they did.)

If you like your fantasy magic-heavy with good vs. evil battles and a healthy dash of philosophy and poetry thrown in, then you'll definitely want to give Vultures a try. And after that ending, I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!

...more

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May 08, 2019 Clayton Snyder rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Vultures begins in media res, and doesn’t let up from the beginning on. There’s an economy of storytelling here rarely seen in the genre, and it’s a welcome break from endless descriptions of journeys and feasts and banners. Character takes center stage here, the world introduced through their eyes, and though you’re thrown in with little reference, it makes sense as seen from their perspectives.

The story doesn’t spoon feed its readers, but hurtles from one location to another, mystery building ...more

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Oct 01, 2020 Lili Marcus rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: epic-fantasy, 2020-reads, fantasy

It took me a while to get into the story primarily because I felt like in just a short time span, a lot of burdens have been thrown at me. But once I get into the story, I was immersed. The author has given me such a well-crafted tale that is surely not for the faint of heart. This is not a happy story. Humans are being slaughtered by corpses that only increase their numbers the more they kill. Sure, this is one of those light vs. dark stories, especially considering the characters, but vultures ...more

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Feb 04, 2021 Krystle rated it really liked it · review of another edition

VULTURES is a book that demands to be felt.

The non-linear storytelling made it hard for me to follow at times, however, it's clear that it has to be this way. A story about madness, about reality, about losing your grip--it can't be neat and perfect.

The emotion in this book is heavy and memorable, and Tarzian strives to break your heart.

If you like your fantasy mind-bending but gut-punching, Vultures has you covered. ...more

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Feb 06, 2021 FantasyBookNerd rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Luke Tarzian's wonderfully complex book is an ambitious and mesmerising read.

I have read a lot of reviews about Vultures and wondered what I was getting myself into. I had read that it was difficult. That it required thought and concentration. Was I ready for this?

Well the answer to this was yes! I think I was!

Now I had this book before I was accepted on the blog tour and was always immensley interested about Luke Tarzian's debut. The blog tour just solidified my resolve to actually get on wit ...more

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Feb 17, 2021 Jason Aycock rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, indie-selfpublished

You know a book is good when at any point you set it down and ask yourself “WTF?” When a book messes with my mind a bit, when I have to stop and ponder it a while, when I have to ask myself how did all that fit together…that’s usually a book I love. Sometimes it means a book is bad and that the author did a horrible job with plotting the narrative, but usually it’s a sign of a book that is working on multiple levels to make me think and to move me. Vultures by Luke Tarzian is one of those WTF bo ...more

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Feb 12, 2021 Matt McAbee rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021, blogtour, debut

After decades of war the demon Te Mirkvahíl is dead. But its progeny endure, spilling from the Heart of Mirkúr, sowing death across the land of Ariath. If the people are to finally know peace, the Heart must be destroyed. Theailys An believes he can do just that with The Keepers' Wrath, an infamous power focus wrought in Ariath's yesteryears--but the weapon first must be reforged.

War spares no one...

Serece never intended to get involved in Ariath's war. But history and demons have a way of pulli After decades of war the demon Te Mirkvahíl is dead. But its progeny endure, spilling from the Heart of Mirkúr, sowing death across the land of Ariath. If the people are to finally know peace, the Heart must be destroyed. Theailys An believes he can do just that with The Keepers' Wrath, an infamous power focus wrought in Ariath's yesteryears--but the weapon first must be reforged.

War spares no one...

Serece never intended to get involved in Ariath's war. But history and demons have a way of pulling strings. When she learns Theailys An, a man whom she abhors, bears striking similarity to the first creator of The Keepers' Wrath, Serece departs her mountain world for Ariath to ascertain the truth.

From patience, hope...

For millennia Behtréal has walked the world alone. Rewriting history to resurrect his people is easier said than done. But Ariath holds the key--soon The Keepers' Wrath will be remade.

Truth from madness...

As paths converge and a shadow falls across Ariath, one thing becomes increasingly and horrifyingly clear--these events have played out many times before.

I honestly had this one on my shelf tool long before reading it. I really wish I hadnt waited so long, this book is such a joy to read.

Luke is one of the top in atmosphere building I could feel the gravity of the situations as if I was there myself, I could feel the tension building every time Theailys came back to his his senses after his spirit Fero took over and ran amok. and made a mess of anyone that was around Theailys. It honestly made me cringe for him knowing that anyone who saw what happened only saw THeailys acting not the spirit that was in control of him.

The characters in Vulture's are very well crafted and I enjoyed how Theailys still had hope that he could set things right no matter how bleak things started looking. Serece was another character I enjoyed she was an outcast trying to find acceptance into her family until she follows after Theailys.

Overall I completely enjoyed this story and look forward to going back to this world when the second book comes out. ...more

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Dec 30, 2019 Justin Wallace rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Life isn’t just a collection of everything bright and clear and colorful. There exists within all of us the deep truths of existence. These truths drive us to excel, to create beautiful distractions, to shout into the empty void of the cosmos that we exist and that we matter. In the end, the shadow cast by the flame of our lives is immutable;

One day those we love must die.

One day we must die.

There are those among us, however, who have stared into the black abyss within and refused to despai ...more

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Feb 10, 2021 SFF ●llieSp●t Book Review rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: grimdark, storytellers-on-tour-upcoming-tour, horror, fantasy

Full review posting today!

Vultures, as with the other books I’ve read from Luke are kind of a black hole, entrancing and this feeling of immensity and beauty, but so hard to get those feelings and thoughts back out into reality. With that being said, I enjoyed every second of it.

I loved that Vultures follows along a much more linear storyline than I got when I read his novelleas that are a part of The Shadow Twins world. Both The World Makers Parable, and The Laughing Heart, I got a weird introd Full review posting today!

Vultures, as with the other books I’ve read from Luke are kind of a black hole, entrancing and this feeling of immensity and beauty, but so hard to get those feelings and thoughts back out into reality. With that being said, I enjoyed every second of it.

I loved that Vultures follows along a much more linear storyline than I got when I read his novelleas that are a part of The Shadow Twins world. Both The World Makers Parable, and The Laughing Heart, I got a weird introduction to the story and world that Centers around the events in Vultures. I found Vultures much easier to follow in comparison, and felt like a had a unique perspective on the events and people.

Keep in mind, Linear, can still have layers. The main storyline here, in this strange and surreal setting, is a fully realized world, and has us following Thealiys An as he journeys to reforge the only weapon that will serve to stop a war that is tearing the world apart. Some of the interesting characters are Serece, whos mother sees her daughter as the source of all her pain and doesn’t hold back when it comes to expressing that misery. Serece, is also the daughter of a king, and niece to an aunt who played a key role in the starting of the war, determined to show Serece hidden Truths intended to help bring an end to the war. Caliean is another veteran of the war, living with the physical and emotional scars of such a horrifying existence, and also with Thealiys to obtain and use said weapon.

What takes things over the edge as far as “normal” goes, is the crossing over to different realms from time to time. We see back to an earlier time and place, sometimes when things were better off, sometimes worse. Sometimes we meet one of the “face” of a superior being, one that is also trying to set things right. Honestly, it’s dark and surrealistic, existing as its own type of dark fantasy, with poetic writing and unique magic all spun up into a thought provoking payoff.

The characters were all enjoyable to me, and the world building steller as usual. Go check it out! 4 1/2 Stars ...more

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Feb 19, 2020 BookEnds&BagEnds rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-books, genre-fantasy, self-published

Madness is the perfect word to use when trying to describe Vultures. The madness of grief, the madness of loss, the madness of destruction, the madness of ambition … I could go on.

If, as hinted, time is an endlessly revolving wheel then madness is the hub around which everything turns, its bitter and twisted spokes lacerating the past, present, and future.

Vultures is gloriously ambitious, intricately plotted, and possibly the darkest fantasy book I have ever read. What is truly amazing here is t ...more

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Aug 10, 2019 Noah Garson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

We all know transportation takes us from one place to another. Luke Tarzian’s debut novel, “Vultures” transports us to another world. A world we do not know but still feel. Tarzian’s writing grabs your attention at the start and holds its grip all the way through. His keen sense of characters is deep, keeping them vivid as you read. The story moves along as if the awe is happening while you’re reading.

Everyone in “Vultures” is struggling. Most have a demon within them and are struggling to keep ...more

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Sep 30, 2020 (Ellie) ReadtoRamble rated it liked it · review of another edition

3.5 STARS

I read this book for a blog tour, so thank you to the blog tour organiser and to the author for letting me take part in this tour and for providing me with a free copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

This was a really intriguing first book in a fantasy series, there are quite a few characters, points of view and different settings throughout this novel, and I have to admit that at times they did seem a little bit clunky to me. I really wanted to know more about 3.5 STARS

I read this book for a blog tour, so thank you to the blog tour organiser and to the author for letting me take part in this tour and for providing me with a free copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

This was a really intriguing first book in a fantasy series, there are quite a few characters, points of view and different settings throughout this novel, and I have to admit that at times they did seem a little bit clunky to me. I really wanted to know more about Theailys and Serece, and I understand why some of the other characters were focused on, but I feel like I am missing quite a bit from these characters lives and I would really have liked to know more about them because the vagueness of it just sort of bothered me in the end.

I think that the worldbuilding was good but again, it needed some more detail, I did like the dark vibes I was getting from it though, and there is a plague in one of the people, I would have liked to know more again. The writing style however was very nice, I was immersed, the chapters weren't too long, the pacing was good and I liked the feel for the characters that I was able to get from the writing style and their different points of view.

The magic system in this book was very unique and very interesting, unfortunately, I feel like even after 345 pages, I don't really know what it's about and I need to know more, it just lacked a bit and ended up not being as enjoyable as it could have been, it needed to be better explained in my opinion.

Overall, this was an interesting fantasy story, I think I needed it to be a bit smoothed out, the characters, worldbuilding and magic system to be detailed and made more precise, maybe it needed some more backstory, it just needed to seem a bit more palpable I think.

I gave this book 3.5 stars, I was a little bit disappointed by it for the reasons above, but I still enjoyed it a fair bit and I would recommend to fantasy lovers who don't mind vague plots and complex characters. ...more

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Oct 06, 2020 Gina R Mitchell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, 2020-reviews

You would never guess this is Luke Tarzian’s debut novel. He has built an incredible fantasy world where good and evil are in a perpetual battle. His words pull you like a stream of smoke from one page to the next until you reach the end. I admit I was rushing so much by then that I had to read the ending twice to make sure I understood.

Dark fantasy is not my usual genre, but I am pleased to have read this book. It is about so much more than your typical good vs. evil story. I felt it described ...more

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Sep 29, 2020 Livy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I was kindly given a copy of this book to review for a blog tour in exchange for my honest opinion.

I thought that this book was incredible and really enjoyed the plot and the premise that it created for the next book (which I will have to get my hands on ASAP). The plot for this book had me both excited and anxious as the book raced towards the final climax and set up the second book. In fact it all ended very unexpectedly and that was something that I really enjoyed.

The characters were also ve ...more

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Sep 30, 2020 Lisas Books, Gems and Tarot rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book was so interesting to read. It is full of chaos and it is a story of shadow versus light.

It is depicted really well through the characters: it’s like they have a devil on one shoulder and an Angel on the other.

The main character, Theailys An is an excellent example of shadow vs. light. Quite often, his shadows take over and he is plunged into darkness. He awakens with no memory of what has happened or how he got to where he is.

Serece is the same: she is full of rage and this often take ...more

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Sep 28, 2019 Greg Wannier rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I'll start this review by noting that Grimdark Fantasy is not, as a general rule, my preferred genre. For those who are unused to this particular style of book, it may take a chapter or two to get used to the language and brutality, and get into the meat of the story.

The good news, for those who do, is that the story itself is quite moving. At its heart is Theailys, a tortured man not in complete control of his own actions, and waging a desperate fight simultaneously against a grotesquely evil h I'll start this review by noting that Grimdark Fantasy is not, as a general rule, my preferred genre. For those who are unused to this particular style of book, it may take a chapter or two to get used to the language and brutality, and get into the meat of the story.

The good news, for those who do, is that the story itself is quite moving. At its heart is Theailys, a tortured man not in complete control of his own actions, and waging a desperate fight simultaneously against a grotesquely evil horde of flesh-ripping, soul-crunching demons that are ravaging the lands, and the mysterious central adversary behind the scourge, who has surprising depths and history. Both Theailys and his main adversary are also waging simultaneous internal battles that are very well thought out and beautifully textured, and in general they form some of the best sequences in the book. There is a secondary heart, Serece, who could probably go toe-to-toe with Theailys on the psychiatrist's bench, and who comes from a fascinating semi-eternal race of almost-people whose entire backstory you constantly want to know more about. Unfortunately, while her plot starts out quickly, it is eventually subsumed, presumably to be developed more as the series progresses - but that doesn't stop Serece herself from remaining compelling to the end. And then there is a colorful (and plenty-diverse) cast of side-kick characters with their own histories, (proverbial) demons, etc. The irreverent Cailean probably deserves special note here as one of the better-developed side characters I've encountered in the last few years.

The more challenging news, I suppose both good and bad, is that this world is profoundly complex, with a richly thought-out history that feels almost Sandersonian at times - there are ancients, virtual gods, world makers, cursed peoples, unresolved mysteries, double (or triple, or..) identities, and untold sub-personalities, all of which are teased out through dreams, portals, rituals, and a constantly shifting POV that allows you to constantly revisit scenes from seven chapters ago and laugh at what a fool you were back then. The good of course, apart from all the aha! moments, is that you feel like you are seeing just a tiny sliver of a richly textured universe, which should be a fun place to keep exploring as Tarzian keeps writing. The bad is that reading through this book for a first time, you might find yourself trying to remember which ancient grudge is playing out in what way, who some character is supposed to be representing from what time period, how different rivalries or political processes do or are supposed to play out, and why suddenly this character is talking to that one (and are they even real?). The whole book really screams out for some sort of appendix.

That said, this book gets four stars because the goods far outweigh the challenges. Most importantly, I think ultimately what separates good fantasy from bad fantasy is good world-building, because exploring new worlds is half the fun. On that front, I'm happy to say Tarzian has created a fascinating world, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of it. ...more

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Jul 20, 2020 Peter rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: self-published-wonders

Wonderful, what a wonderful book. This may be the fastest I have ever read book as well, there is something about Luke's writing that pulls you in, something beautiful. I am so glad I have been able to read this, the blend of the fantasy with the metaphysical was wonderful. A full review will be on my blog soon, but thank you to Luke for creating the extraordinary world of Ariath and allowing us to be there. ...more

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Aug 14, 2019 Nancy Foster rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: spfbo

"Someday, somehow, in another time perhaps, this will all make sense."

I feel like this particular sentence in one of the final chapters really resonated the entire feel of this book. Now, it is obvious from the huge amassing of 5 stars that most people considered it to be fabulous.

Unfortunately, while I opened this book with an open mind without having read beforehand the reviews or plot, I don't read grimdark all that much and it can be a whole deal lot harder to enjoy a book that is well, very ...more

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Oct 07, 2020 Cassandra **The Bibliophagist** added it · review of another edition

As I mentioned above, this is not the type of book that would draw my attention. That is part of why I enjoy doing tours so much though.

The first thing I noticed is the classical fantasy-style the book felt it was written in. Not only that, there was also almost a poetic style to the writing which made the book very easy to read. I actually enjoyed this and truly did not expect to.

This story, like many of my favorites, is told from multiple POVs. The first is Thealily...his life goal is to eradi ...more

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Jul 11, 2019 Jenny Wannier rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A strong opening to a trilogy I can't wait to finish, dark fantasy at its best. A fast read at just over 300 pages, the story follows Theailys, Serece and Behtreal in a twisting journey where many things aren't what you'd expect. The novel is sparsely written, yet Tarzian manages to still vividly evoke his characters and setting with gorgeous prose and a strong self-deprecating humor throughout.

Set in a world fighting off what they hope is the end of a demon (lokyn) invasion, the characters are ...more

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Oct 01, 2020 Haley Renee The Caffeinated Reader rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: earcs

https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2020...

I really enjoyed Tarzian’s prequel for this series, so I was looking forward to this first book!

While I liked Tarzian’s writing style, it’s easy to read, I unfortunately found myself not enjoying the novel.

The storyline was muddled through all the characters, at times it seemed there were too many to keep up with and most of them were little to no consequence as the real players here were spirits/gods/entities that seemed to be in actual control. The time ...more

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Sep 28, 2020 Sifa Poulton marked it as dnf · review of another edition

I received an eARC as part of a blog tour I'm no longer part of, in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.

DNF at 37%

One of the major ideas in this book was a man living with a demon-thing (I suspect the what would have been revealed if I'd read on) inside him, and it causes him to black out - committing awful acts as he does. The dynamic with this voice in his head and the mystery of the black outs is what kept me reading.

I also really appreciated how unrepentantly broke I received an eARC as part of a blog tour I'm no longer part of, in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.

DNF at 37%

One of the major ideas in this book was a man living with a demon-thing (I suspect the what would have been revealed if I'd read on) inside him, and it causes him to black out - committing awful acts as he does. The dynamic with this voice in his head and the mystery of the black outs is what kept me reading.

I also really appreciated how unrepentantly broken all the characters were. They weren't heroes who were blaming themselves for bad accidents, but characters who knew they'd made awful choices and done horrible things. They were dark grey, and it made their potential arcs more exciting.

However, these two aspects weren't enough to keep me reading. There was just way, way too much happening in this book without enough explanation. The world building is, frankly, pretty non-existent. All these new fantasy words and no backing up what they are. Did it take me 30% to work out that the Phantax-thingies were potentially actually a people not a religion? I have no idea how long ago they fell, because it seemed like they were referred to as long-extinct and also currently around? It didn't help that different POVs had different opinions on the world.

There were also a LOT of POVs. I lost track pretty quickly, but beyond the main two there were several other characters that said things but I'm not sure why. At least there were semi-obvious links between most of them, even if the characters weren't adding to the story. One was... there to be a crass diversion? Another to add *stakes* with vague warnings?

The issue was that there wasn't enough grounding in any POV to really connect or work out what was happening. Events seemed to fall into characters' laps. Go into self-imposed exile because everyone hates you? Well then, you'll stumble right into the arms of an aunt and then into the underworld to find out crucial information, and then you'll easily return to the place everyone "hates" you.

It simply all felt too slap-dash and unset up a story for me to bother keep reading. ...more

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Oct 07, 2020 Lisa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I read this book for a blog tour, so a big thank you to the blog tour organiser I would never have heard of this book without him and also thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

So lets get straight to the point: If you are looking for something simple and straightforward move right along, because this one is not for you! If on the other hand you are looking for a complex multi layered, multi POV dark fantasy with alternative timelines ...more

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Oct 11, 2020 A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) rated it it was ok

Shelves: tour, dnf, the-write-reads, e-book, fantasy, 2-stars, year-2020

DNF @42%

Book source ~ Tour

The land of Ariath is suffering a plague. There are many characters trying to stop it. There’s a magical sword called The Keepers’ Wrath that’s supposed to be reforged so Ariath can go back to being normal. That’s it. That’s all I got.

There are so many characters in this and they have similar names. There are many places and they also have similar names. I have no idea how this plague started or even what kind it is. I’ve tried to work my way through this but at 42% I’m ...more

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Nov 13, 2019 Louise Wannier rated it really liked it · review of another edition

It is difficult for me to read this genre as it can take time to settle and feel comfortable within worlds and language that are completely different from that which I inhabit. Yet, the author has created a world that brings you in and envelops you convincingly, even though what is reliable is unclear and in which we travel through shifting realities within the principal characters’ minds compelling us to keep reading, leaving us slightly off balance, and excited, awaiting the next volume.

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