lyellboi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
nuggetpockets's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.5
fantasybeforereality's review
5.0
“Humankind is not so self-terminating that we would allow our greatest quality– that of our capacity for hope– to be fully extinguished."
In the aftermath of the Battle of Galen's Vale, the Empire of the Wolf stands at a crossroads. Sir Konrad Vonvalt returns to Sova, only to discover a city shrouded in conspiracy and rebellion as whispers of the Magistratum's weakening authority spread. While threats to the throne loom, Vonvalt is entrusted with a vital mission: rescuing the kidnapped grandson of the Emperor. Teaming up with Helena, Bressinger, and Sir Radomir, he embarks on a perilous journey to the southern frontier, where they must confront Bartholomew Claver and his zealous templar knights. Little do they know, a malevolent force awaits them—one far more horrifying than they ever could have anticipated.
The Tyranny of Faith is a captivating and truly remarkable read. I enjoyed The Justice of Kings but Swan has masterfully crafted my favorite political fantasy novel to date with his second installment. He expertly delves into the world of political intrigue like no other. The writing and prose have noticeably improved, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the story. However, what truly stole my heart were the characters. Helena, in particular, has become my absolute favorite. Just barely stepping into adulthood, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, shattering her idealistic beliefs along the way. Witnessing her faith in Sir Vonvolt being tested time and his infallibility challenged. And let me tell you, the final third of the book had me completely gripped—I simply couldn't put it down. The infusion of mystery throughout the story kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages. It's hard to express just how exquisitely crafted this series is—the plot is a web of double-dealing and treachery executed brilliantly. The morally ambiguous characters consistently defy expectations, and the magical elements and worldbuilding are nothing short of breathtaking. Every moment of this book was engrossing, leaving me eagerly awaiting the release of the third installment
In the aftermath of the Battle of Galen's Vale, the Empire of the Wolf stands at a crossroads. Sir Konrad Vonvalt returns to Sova, only to discover a city shrouded in conspiracy and rebellion as whispers of the Magistratum's weakening authority spread. While threats to the throne loom, Vonvalt is entrusted with a vital mission: rescuing the kidnapped grandson of the Emperor. Teaming up with Helena, Bressinger, and Sir Radomir, he embarks on a perilous journey to the southern frontier, where they must confront Bartholomew Claver and his zealous templar knights. Little do they know, a malevolent force awaits them—one far more horrifying than they ever could have anticipated.
The Tyranny of Faith is a captivating and truly remarkable read. I enjoyed The Justice of Kings but Swan has masterfully crafted my favorite political fantasy novel to date with his second installment. He expertly delves into the world of political intrigue like no other. The writing and prose have noticeably improved, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the story. However, what truly stole my heart were the characters. Helena, in particular, has become my absolute favorite. Just barely stepping into adulthood, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, shattering her idealistic beliefs along the way. Witnessing her faith in Sir Vonvolt being tested time and his infallibility challenged. And let me tell you, the final third of the book had me completely gripped—I simply couldn't put it down. The infusion of mystery throughout the story kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages. It's hard to express just how exquisitely crafted this series is—the plot is a web of double-dealing and treachery executed brilliantly. The morally ambiguous characters consistently defy expectations, and the magical elements and worldbuilding are nothing short of breathtaking. Every moment of this book was engrossing, leaving me eagerly awaiting the release of the third installment
secretlyadoombot's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ecorinnes's review against another edition
5.0
Many years ago, a fairy appeared over the crib of newborn child Richard Swan and whispered “show don’t tell” in his tiny ear, and lo and behold another epic fantasy writer was created
This is a review of the first 2 book of the Empire of the Wolf Trilogy, Justice of Kings and Tyranny of Faith. The second in this unfinished trilogy, is without a doubt one of my favorite reads of the year, and the day I wrote this was February 8th.
This series described, not a spoiler, the fall of the Empire of the Wolf. We follow a magistrate’s apprentice, Helena, as she travels around with her employer/adopted father Justice Konrad Vonvalt, a veteran of the violent wars that brought the Empire together, and a practitioner of legally-approved magiks including but not limited to compulsion and necromancy.
Gods I love necromancy in a story, and in this one it does some WORK!
Matters that seem small quickly escalate, and we realize that a lot has been going on inside of the Empire while the Justice and his retinue were traveling the outskirts that we are only just now learning about.
Swan seems to have a special flair for describing violence, and as the girl who rewatches Henry Cavill’s witcher fight scenes, it was my exact cup of tea.
There are some concerns I will be sending to the publisher, mainly about anachronistic male gaze from our teenage girl narrator and the uncomfortable power dynamics in a certain relationship, but I literally cannot talk about that without spoilers. I’ve tried.
If you are a frequent flyer with epic fantasy, you’re not shocked or outraged by these themes.
We will go forward as we always do with a conscious acknowledgement of bias within even our favorite works (Tolkien I still love you) and continue being mindful readers.
Overall I give the first book 3.8/5, and the second a 4.6/5. High up on my list of favorite epic fantasy reads, this easily sits beside Martin, Gwynne, and Suri for me.
This is a review of the first 2 book of the Empire of the Wolf Trilogy, Justice of Kings and Tyranny of Faith. The second in this unfinished trilogy, is without a doubt one of my favorite reads of the year, and the day I wrote this was February 8th.
This series described, not a spoiler, the fall of the Empire of the Wolf. We follow a magistrate’s apprentice, Helena, as she travels around with her employer/adopted father Justice Konrad Vonvalt, a veteran of the violent wars that brought the Empire together, and a practitioner of legally-approved magiks including but not limited to compulsion and necromancy.
Gods I love necromancy in a story, and in this one it does some WORK!
Matters that seem small quickly escalate, and we realize that a lot has been going on inside of the Empire while the Justice and his retinue were traveling the outskirts that we are only just now learning about.
Swan seems to have a special flair for describing violence, and as the girl who rewatches Henry Cavill’s witcher fight scenes, it was my exact cup of tea.
There are some concerns I will be sending to the publisher, mainly about anachronistic male gaze from our teenage girl narrator and the uncomfortable power dynamics in a certain relationship, but I literally cannot talk about that without spoilers. I’ve tried.
If you are a frequent flyer with epic fantasy, you’re not shocked or outraged by these themes.
We will go forward as we always do with a conscious acknowledgement of bias within even our favorite works (Tolkien I still love you) and continue being mindful readers.
Overall I give the first book 3.8/5, and the second a 4.6/5. High up on my list of favorite epic fantasy reads, this easily sits beside Martin, Gwynne, and Suri for me.
ecorinnes's review
4.0
Many years ago, a fairy appeared over the crib of newborn child Richard Swan and whispered “show don’t tell” in his tiny ear, and lo and behold another epic fantasy writer was created
This series follows, not a spoiler, the fall of the Empire of the Wolf.
We follow a Magistrate’s Apprentice, Helena, as she travels around with her employer/adopted father Justice Konrad Vonvalt, a veteran of the violent wars that brought the Empire together, and a practitioner of legally-approved magiks including but not limited to compulsion and necromancy.
Gods I love necromancy in a story, and in this one it does some WORK
Matters that seem small quickly escalate, and we realize that a lot has been going on inside of the Empire while the Justice and his retinue were traveling the outskirts that we are only just now learning about.
But first we gotta learn 200 proper nouns and their definitions
Swan seems to have a special flair for describing violence, and as the girl who rewatches Henry Cavill’s witcher fight scenes, it was my exact cup of tea.
There are some concerns I will be sending to the publisher, mainly about anachronistic male gaze from our teenage girl narrator and the uncomfortable power dynamics in a certain relationship, but I literally cannot talk about that without spoilers.
I’ve tried.
If you are a frequent flyer with epic fantasy, you’re not shocked or outraged by these themes.
We will go forward as we always do with a conscious acknowledgement of bias within even our favorite works (Tolkien I still love you) and continue being mindful readers.
Overall I give the first book 3.8/5, and the second a 4.6/5. High up on my list of favorite epic fantasy reads, this easily sits beside Martin, Gwynne, and Suri for me
This series follows, not a spoiler, the fall of the Empire of the Wolf.
We follow a Magistrate’s Apprentice, Helena, as she travels around with her employer/adopted father Justice Konrad Vonvalt, a veteran of the violent wars that brought the Empire together, and a practitioner of legally-approved magiks including but not limited to compulsion and necromancy.
Gods I love necromancy in a story, and in this one it does some WORK
Matters that seem small quickly escalate, and we realize that a lot has been going on inside of the Empire while the Justice and his retinue were traveling the outskirts that we are only just now learning about.
But first we gotta learn 200 proper nouns and their definitions
Swan seems to have a special flair for describing violence, and as the girl who rewatches Henry Cavill’s witcher fight scenes, it was my exact cup of tea.
There are some concerns I will be sending to the publisher, mainly about anachronistic male gaze from our teenage girl narrator and the uncomfortable power dynamics in a certain relationship, but I literally cannot talk about that without spoilers.
I’ve tried.
If you are a frequent flyer with epic fantasy, you’re not shocked or outraged by these themes.
We will go forward as we always do with a conscious acknowledgement of bias within even our favorite works (Tolkien I still love you) and continue being mindful readers.
Overall I give the first book 3.8/5, and the second a 4.6/5. High up on my list of favorite epic fantasy reads, this easily sits beside Martin, Gwynne, and Suri for me
devin_1's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
crownlullaby's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nellyreads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
hbeebe97's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0