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zephyr_trashwolf's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book is an exceptionally strong start for a fresh new author, and I am eagerly awaiting his next installment. Not many works of fiction worm their way into my brain like this book has. I hope I don't have to turn myself into a lich to wait.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Alcohol, and War
paper_bound's review
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and War
prettyflyforascienceguy's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you Net Galley for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
War. Undead soldiers. Battle action. Gore, death, and a power-hungry lich. If any of these appeal to you, give this book a shot! It was fewer than 300 pages, but it felt longer with how much world-building and action was packed into it. One of my favorite aspects of this book was the world-building - it was exactly the right amount. Not so little that you are left floundering and confused, but not so much as to "info-dump" as many fantasy novels fall victim to. The writing is detailed and not overly verbose. I felt immersed in the grim, dark, and brutal world Malfus was living in.
This book was well written, but overall it was not for me. Malfus as a character is so snarky and sarcastic - you love him within the first few pages. However, I feel like more than half of the book is told from other perspectives (at times, seemingly random soldiers). Malfus often felt like a supporting character rather than the titular protagonist. I found myself disconnecting whenever the POV switched to soldiers. I wish the book had focused more on Malfus himself, and less on the play-by-play of the battle. I know this is just a personal preference, but I felt like the battle scenes (which, frankly, is a majority of the book) dragged on and did not hold my attention.
Additionally, I feel like this book could have benefitted from more detailed flashbacks into Malfus' past. I wanted more information on his relationship with Kiara and I felt the book lacking in that aspect.
The artwork in the book was amazing!
War. Undead soldiers. Battle action. Gore, death, and a power-hungry lich. If any of these appeal to you, give this book a shot! It was fewer than 300 pages, but it felt longer with how much world-building and action was packed into it. One of my favorite aspects of this book was the world-building - it was exactly the right amount. Not so little that you are left floundering and confused, but not so much as to "info-dump" as many fantasy novels fall victim to. The writing is detailed and not overly verbose. I felt immersed in the grim, dark, and brutal world Malfus was living in.
This book was well written, but overall it was not for me. Malfus as a character is so snarky and sarcastic - you love him within the first few pages. However, I feel like more than half of the book is told from other perspectives (at times, seemingly random soldiers). Malfus often felt like a supporting character rather than the titular protagonist. I found myself disconnecting whenever the POV switched to soldiers. I wish the book had focused more on Malfus himself, and less on the play-by-play of the battle. I know this is just a personal preference, but I felt like the battle scenes (which, frankly, is a majority of the book) dragged on and did not hold my attention.
Additionally, I feel like this book could have benefitted from more detailed flashbacks into Malfus' past. I wanted more information on his relationship with
The artwork in the book was amazing!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Body horror and Torture
Minor: Vomit
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