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A review by afittingdistraction
The Fangs of War by E.J. Doble
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“[...]the biggest lie of it all, had been that some thought war was not inevitable. It was always inevitable, Revek thought, smiling.
Because we designed it that way.”
The Fangs Of War is a grimdark military style fantasy with properly morally grey characters, ancient gods, eldritch looking monsters and plenty of blood & gore.
Military fantasy isn't usually a subgenre I reach for but after loving The Sword Of Kaigen (another excellent indie) back in June I decided to give this one a go and I'm so glad I did because WOW!
If you like a book with a pov that let's you get into the heads of the villain/bad guys then this is the one for you. Most of these characters are terrible people yet E.J. Doble still manages to make you want to read more about them and dare I say it root for them at times?!
Something to be aware of the prose is very wordy, which I know won't be for everyone. It was definitely one I needed full concentration for otherwise I ended up having to read the same sentence a couple of times for my brain to grasp what was being said. But when I did 😘🤌 BEAUTIFUL!
In fact it was so hard to choose a quote to feature because I had highlighted so many. Also it has what might be one of my favourite opening lines I've read in a long time!
I still can't quite get over the fact that this is a debut, and by an author so young as well. Highly recommend checking it out, especially if you're a fan of authors like Joe Abercrombie.
I'm really looking forward picking up the second book when it comes out in February.
Because we designed it that way.”
The Fangs Of War is a grimdark military style fantasy with properly morally grey characters, ancient gods, eldritch looking monsters and plenty of blood & gore.
Military fantasy isn't usually a subgenre I reach for but after loving The Sword Of Kaigen (another excellent indie) back in June I decided to give this one a go and I'm so glad I did because WOW!
If you like a book with a pov that let's you get into the heads of the villain/bad guys then this is the one for you. Most of these characters are terrible people yet E.J. Doble still manages to make you want to read more about them and dare I say it root for them at times?!
Something to be aware of the prose is very wordy, which I know won't be for everyone. It was definitely one I needed full concentration for otherwise I ended up having to read the same sentence a couple of times for my brain to grasp what was being said. But when I did 😘🤌 BEAUTIFUL!
In fact it was so hard to choose a quote to feature because I had highlighted so many. Also it has what might be one of my favourite opening lines I've read in a long time!
I still can't quite get over the fact that this is a debut, and by an author so young as well. Highly recommend checking it out, especially if you're a fan of authors like Joe Abercrombie.
I'm really looking forward picking up the second book when it comes out in February.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Violence
Moderate: War
Minor: Confinement