A review by kazmx
Nightglass by Liane Merciel
4.0
The book is divided in two separate parts in which Isiem's story is told, a boy with a gift for shadow magic in the dark nation of Nidal. The first half of the book is a very unique read. It tells the story of Isiem's youth. Mostly focusing on the arduous journey that started the day he was taken from his family to be trained as a shadow wizard in service of the one of Golarion's most despicable Gods. While Isiem is talented enough to survive and thrive on his training, it's his struggle to do so without being corrupted by his ordeal that makes this a compelling read.
Isiem is not what one would call a hero, and even calling him a good guy might be pushing it, but considering the place where he lives and what he has to go through, not falling into the "evil" category is quite a feat. An enjoyable protagonist, even if not one we can look up to. This is ultimately a story about a journey of growth and moral resilience in a world taken by darkness.
The second part has a few nice touches, it is set years after Isiem graduated from his shadow caller training. Now he's sent on a diplomatic mission to aid agents of Chelliax in exploring a silver mine that stands on territory claimed by the native Strix tribes... Who may not be the monsters they are taken for. The relation between him and Kirii, the daughter of the leader of the tribe, is one of the most memorable things the book has to offer.
This novel is actually pretty deep. Despite all of the action in it, a lot of it is about Isiem's inner journey. I like the questions the author raised: Does it really matter the loyalty to one's nation, tribe, or land? Can people ever truly atone for the evil they do? Ought one's morals and principles be sacrificed in order to survive? Is that ever justifiable?
Isiem is not what one would call a hero, and even calling him a good guy might be pushing it, but considering the place where he lives and what he has to go through, not falling into the "evil" category is quite a feat. An enjoyable protagonist, even if not one we can look up to. This is ultimately a story about a journey of growth and moral resilience in a world taken by darkness.
The second part has a few nice touches, it is set years after Isiem graduated from his shadow caller training. Now he's sent on a diplomatic mission to aid agents of Chelliax in exploring a silver mine that stands on territory claimed by the native Strix tribes... Who may not be the monsters they are taken for. The relation between him and Kirii, the daughter of the leader of the tribe, is one of the most memorable things the book has to offer.
This novel is actually pretty deep. Despite all of the action in it, a lot of it is about Isiem's inner journey. I like the questions the author raised: Does it really matter the loyalty to one's nation, tribe, or land? Can people ever truly atone for the evil they do? Ought one's morals and principles be sacrificed in order to survive? Is that ever justifiable?