A review by summerpy
The Crack at the Heart of Everything by Fiona Fenn

adventurous emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

So this is a debut novel?? I ate this book up in less than a day, no sleep or breaks required. The witty dialogue and snarky characters are perfection. It really reminded me of a rpg quest game type of narrative - gradual development, love able specialized crew. And some awesome character building moments. 

We have our main character Orpheus, a grumpy, angsty, dungeon lurking mage oops dark wizard. He is banished from the castle he helped secure and sent out into a wasted world that he had helped destroy. On his journey, Orpheus learns that the friend he helped set up as ruler is not who she seems, his rival/enemy/pain in the ass soldier Fenrir is not who he seems, and the society outside of the castle is not what he believed it to be.

There is a great cast of secondary characters that I really got to care about. And some really cool monsters and beasts. 

I also really enjoyed the world building. It seems to be set up in a futuristic steam punk type post apocalyptic world. But there are references to Earth cities and to some King Arthur lore. So fascinating. Fantasy elements: A+, no complaints, nailed it

Some tropes:

• redemption arc done well
• Grumpy/sunshine
• Rivals to lovers 
• Lovable angsty main characters 

Thank you Netgalley and Tiny Fox Press for the e arc. I absolutely enjoyed it. Pub date: 11/12/2024