A review by azrah786
The Wingspan of Treason by L. N. Bayen

5.0

[This review can also be found on my BLOG]

**I was provided with a proof of the book through the author in exchange for an honest review**

CW: violence, blood, injury, fire/immolation, war, death, child death, mention of sexual assault/rape (non graphic), anxiety, grief, familial trauma, displacement
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Eloquently written and impressively plotted this book is truly the epitome of epic fantasy.

The Wingspan of Treason predominantly follows three young men as they flee the Northern kingdom of Invelmar due to Klaus, the former prince in waiting discovering his life has been a lie and his family’s betrayal deeming him a fugitive. Accompanying him are Arik and Verdi, another nobleman Warrior and Klaus’ personal servant of Derindin descent respectively, but their relationships is more that of best friends/ brothers.

They head south to Derinda, a desert land split into many clandoms and distrustful of Northerners as Invelmar holds responsibility for damming the primary river of the continent. Their journey to escape as well as to find answers has them uncovering many truths and the machinations of the world around them but also much about their individual destinies.

“Everyone tells the version of the world that they know. Sometimes they don’t know very much at all.”


It’s been such a long time since I’ve picked up a book where every single detail is so carefully thought out and meticulously put together that I want to be lost in the story and the world forever. Bayen is masterful in her telling, threading the history, customs and lore of two neighbouring nations in and around the journey and discoveries of her beautifully complex characters in the most compelling way.

On top of that, if you weren’t aware all of the illustrations and map work in the book have been drawn by the author herself and IT IS ALL SO BEAUTIFUL!!

There is an ambling pace to the story overall but it works perfectly to immerse you right in with both the physical and emotional journeys of the characters and never does it feel like you are being overloaded with information or that the narrative is being unnecessarily dragged out. Bayen’s storytelling makes you feel like you are part of the discussions and retellings around the campfires, are listening in on the gossip from the Babble and standing rapt in the council debates that collectively and steadily introduce you to the lay of the land and take you through the sociopolitical happenings across the clandoms.

“The struggle for justice has no proprietor. Does it matter who delivers it?”


Additionally, through epigraphs and flashbacks Bayen also paints a vivid picture of the inner workings of Invelmar, providing glimpses of the noble families, their sacred Blood Pact and the chain of succession that is keeping the northern kingdom afloat. I was really intrigued by the concept of Forms – a custom of the nobility of Invelmari society that involves rigorous mental and physical training in order to hone specific skills to become either a Warrior, Blacksmith, Jurist or Intelligencer. It was fascinating to see Klaus and Arik put their Forms to use as they lived in hiding over the course of the book.

Magic is also present in this world, woven into the overarching plot in such a captivating way but it is on the subtle side and is mainly associated with legends, prophecies and the history of the land. This is one of the things I’m excited to see touched on more as the series continues!

“Knowledge is a great burden,” She said at last. “That is why ignorance is so comfortable.”


While there are a few influences and practices that have been lifted from our world to help shape the worldbuilding, overall it is unique in its own right and the amount of attention and thought that has gone in to it all is absolutely outstanding.

Just as noteworthy are the characters. As mentioned already much of the book focuses on Klaus, Verdi and Arik who are each such brilliantly layered protagonists and it was refreshing how equally split their perspectives were. Their relationship is absolutely wonderful full of trust and brotherly banter as well as moments of protectiveness and vexation. I just wanted to swoop into the story myself to protect them and the bond they have.

“Be mindful, Viridian.. There will be many people eager to mould you. The danger to your mind is perhaps greater than any to your flesh.”


It was really interesting to follow them grapple with their individual fates and newfound identities as well as come to terms with the lived reality of the world beyond Invelmar versus how their upbringing has always framed it to be. The themes of self-discovery and loyalty, responsibility and choice are explored so well through the three of them.

However, the multi POV doesn’t stop there as we also follow along with the perspective of other characters, these mainly being people of Derindin descent but of different backgrounds and statuses in society which further added to the commentary on loyalty and responsibility as well as entitlement, power and oppression.

“The best record of history is what people remember, not what their kings inscribe on their own tombs.”


I honestly can’t recommend this book enough! From political scheming to pirate fighting action and the air of mystery around it all, everything that happens, even the smallest of interactions from earlier on come to play their part later and I was constantly finding myself floored the more that I read.

If you’re an epic fantasy fan then take my word and do not sleep on this book!!
Final Rating – 5/5 Stars 
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