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A review by gobbledybooks
The Fangs of War by E.J. Doble
4.0
What an amazing read this was! An absolute pleasure to read from start to finish and an outstanding addition to the fantasy genre.
Our story opens with the assassination of a king and the subsequent succession of a military tyrant, who declares war on neighbouring territories.
It is multiple POV, following different characters within the same region: the maniacal tyrannist; the ambitious and psychotic military leader; the vengeful and morally grey scout; her best friend and comrade journeying with her to keep her sane; a loyal and dutiful general only wanting the best for her people; a kind-hearted general whose only crime was being witness to a brutal murder and cover up; and his criminal underworld sister who would do just about anything to protect him.
After the war breaks out, the story jumps between characters as they begin their journeys through the epic and vivid landscape. I loved this as it meant there wasn't too much info dumping in the early chapters, instead the world expanded alongside the plot.
Instead, these early scenes were used to expertly craft these incredible characters; they danced to life on the page and honestly don't think I've ever felt as connected to characters since a Hobb book. Throughout the story you can understand their motivations, feel their pain, and really route (and hate) for them. Be prepared because this is a novel about war, and Doble is not afraid to hurt your favourite characters.
Our story opens with the assassination of a king and the subsequent succession of a military tyrant, who declares war on neighbouring territories.
It is multiple POV, following different characters within the same region: the maniacal tyrannist; the ambitious and psychotic military leader; the vengeful and morally grey scout; her best friend and comrade journeying with her to keep her sane; a loyal and dutiful general only wanting the best for her people; a kind-hearted general whose only crime was being witness to a brutal murder and cover up; and his criminal underworld sister who would do just about anything to protect him.
After the war breaks out, the story jumps between characters as they begin their journeys through the epic and vivid landscape. I loved this as it meant there wasn't too much info dumping in the early chapters, instead the world expanded alongside the plot.
Instead, these early scenes were used to expertly craft these incredible characters; they danced to life on the page and honestly don't think I've ever felt as connected to characters since a Hobb book. Throughout the story you can understand their motivations, feel their pain, and really route (and hate) for them. Be prepared because this is a novel about war, and Doble is not afraid to hurt your favourite characters.