An action-packed introductory tale that’s somewhat hampered by shallow characterization.
Nicol’s fantasy novel offers a promising start to a new spinoff series, set in former role-playing game designer Rowe’s popular Arcane Ascension world.
The author of the Mage-Born fantasy novels presents an engaging new story in the LitRPG fantasy subgenre—one that’s grounded in the universe of Rowe’s work. It’s a world of complex magic where teams of climbers attempt to scale ancient towers known as the Soaring Spires, hoping to gain magical “attunements” and treasure. In this first installment, the Guiding Star Legacy team of six climbers, each with different attunements, skills, and powers, venture to the 19th floor of the Tortoise Spire. Four of them—thoughtful seer Seji “Sage” Hayden, intimidating healer Lani Nanashi, reckless fighter Nieve Yukihara, and timid “cloudcaller” Emiko Ryotsu, who can manipulate weather—share a tight bond from years of climbing together, exchanging teasing banter and affectionate nicknames. But their last ascent was so harrowing that two other team members quit, replaced by temporary hires Aldis Somers, a prickly telepath, and Hane, an enigmatic, solitary figure. Inside the spire is a dangerous magical realm where the climbers face challenges such as monsters, mazes, and illusions, which players of Dungeons & Dragons and other role-playing games will find familiar. Much of the narrative reads like a description of gameplay, moving from scene to scene without much motivation or suspense. The characters also seem somewhat underdeveloped; one could easily dub them “the bold one,” “the cute one,” or “the loner.” The complicated magic system with its eight attunements, each with six levels, five magical marks, and dozens of types of magical essences and crystals can be hard to follow, despite an explanatory prologue. However, as the story unfolds, the author introduces surprising elements and shocking twists, leading to a harrowing final life-and-death battle and setting up an intriguing premise for a continuing series. Some readers may find parts of the final confrontation overly dark, but fans of anime, RPGs, and the authors’ previous work will be eager to follow Guiding Star Legacy’s further adventures.
An action-packed introductory tale that’s somewhat hampered by shallow characterization.Pub Date: Nov. 14, 2022
ISBN: 9781039415034
Page Count: 424
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Review Posted Online: Jan. 12, 2023
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
An absorbing book that sets the ground for a promising finale.
This sequel to Odin’s Child (2021), the second entry in an epic fantasy trilogy translated from the Norwegian, sees its characters facing even bigger challenges.
When Hirka crossed the gateway into the unknown with only her raven, Kuro, by her side, she hoped to finally find a place where she belonged. But after months stranded in the mightless human world of contemporary York, England, Hirka finds that there is a new threat to her life—and to the world she left behind. Back in Ym, Rime is the new Ravenbearer in a world with shattered religious and political foundations after the life-changing revelations of the previous book—but all Rime can think about is the promise he made Hirka that he would find her. Ultimately both Hirka and Rime come to realize that they stand at the cusp of a conflict 1,000 years in the making. Their continuing saga takes place within an intricate fantasy world that explores the history and mythology of Ym and introduces a connection to the human world in unexpected and intriguing ways. Despite repetitive beats, the series finds its rhythm with the introduction of new worldbuilding elements and fascinating characters while deftly showcasing its main characters’ ongoing tale of belonging, forgiveness, and sacrifice. The main characters are all White; a few secondary characters are dark-skinned.
An absorbing book that sets the ground for a promising finale. (glossary) (Fantasy. 16-adult)Pub Date: Oct. 5, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-64690-001-5
Page Count: 512
Publisher: Arctis Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
Action packed but romance-light.
After her queen in cursed by the gods, a healer embarks on a magical quest to Circe’s island.
Jocasta was born to a family of commoners but became a princess after her brother’s unlikely rise to the throne, a story told in the first three books of Bouchet’s Kingmaker Chronicles series. Jocasta’s healing talent makes her feel like a lesser member of the newly minted royal family, which needs powerful warriors and politicians to stay in power—men like Flynn, her brother’s most trusted friend and captain of the guard. Years ago, Jocasta thought she was in love with Flynn, but she has been steering clear of him ever since he cruelly rejected the romantic overture she made on her 18th birthday. Flynn is afraid to love again, having lost his entire family to various illnesses and tragedies. He never intended to hurt Jocasta but only wanted to protect himself from further loss. When the queen is cursed by a stasis spell—not only will she never change or grow old, but she’ll stay 8 months pregnant forever without ever giving birth—it’s clear she is being used as a pawn in a battle between the gods of Mount Olympus. Jocasta realizes the only possible cure lies in the fabled gardens of Circe. Flynn and three others volunteer to go with Jocasta on her quest, which involves traversing the perilous route of Odysseus. When Flynn and Jocasta become temporarily separated from the rest of their party, they discover they can no longer deny their feelings for each other. Readers looking for a rip-roaring adventure will find it here, but the romance arc is tightly compressed and almost perfunctory compared to the long, complex fighting and action sequences. Uneven pacing makes the final round trip push to Circe’s island feel rushed.
Action packed but romance-light.Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-72823-004-7
Page Count: 496
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2022
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