A review by xan_van_rooyen
The Company of Birds by Nerine Dorman
4.0
Wow, it's been a while since I've read an epic fantasy novel and this was a great book to break back into the genre.
I absolutely loved that this book draws inspiration from South Africa and South African culture. Readers familiar with the country will enjoy nods to the nature, cuisine, and languages.
The author has created a novel rich with world-building. For me, the intricate world-building was one of the best features of the book but also one of its drawbacks. Because readers need to understand how the world works to truly appreciate the politics that drives the plot, the first half of the story felt a little slow at times as it laid the groundwork for the setting and introduced us to the characters.
Around 2/3 into the story, the pacing picks up and the plot really takes off. I flew through the last 25% of the book and was disappointed the story ended where it did because I found myself deeply invested in the characters and I have to know where their story goes from here. I really do hope there's a sequel in the works!
I absolutely loved that this book draws inspiration from South Africa and South African culture. Readers familiar with the country will enjoy nods to the nature, cuisine, and languages.
The author has created a novel rich with world-building. For me, the intricate world-building was one of the best features of the book but also one of its drawbacks. Because readers need to understand how the world works to truly appreciate the politics that drives the plot, the first half of the story felt a little slow at times as it laid the groundwork for the setting and introduced us to the characters.
Around 2/3 into the story, the pacing picks up and the plot really takes off. I flew through the last 25% of the book and was disappointed the story ended where it did because I found myself deeply invested in the characters and I have to know where their story goes from here. I really do hope there's a sequel in the works!