BLACK SCALES

A secluded island realm gets raided for its mythical secrets in this fantasy series opener.

Fourteen-year-old Icabus is a villager in Aggersel on the island of Apenninus. He’s been dreaming of ships arriving on the nearby lake and violent men who attack. One day, three ships do appear, and their captain, Furius of Authia, says “chance or fate” led them to the village. He and his small contingent are desperate to visit the Old Kingdom, sealed by the village ancestors. The sorcerer Galen once guarded “healing waters” that are now cursed. Furius nevertheless wants access to help save his homeland, fallen to the savage Arx Caeli imperialists. When the Aggersel Elders agree to vote on the matter, Furius goes behind their backs and insists that Icabus’ father, Atius, take him and his group to the Old Kingdom. The duplicitous sailors do find Galen and, with his consent, perform a swiftly brutal takeover of the village using soldiers hidden on the ships. Icabus flees into the forest, where the monstrous Taker lives. Yet deeper in the wilderness, there is hope. Apenninus is home to many strange, miraculous tribes that aren’t quite human. There’s also Nubis, a “dragon knight,” who explains to Icabus the secret of “mana,” a substance that can change a creature’s form. Agapoff’s tale is an enthralling example of showing the story rather than telling it. A minimum of exposition brings characters and dialogue to the forefront of vivid events that crest over readers. As Furius reveals his evil, the narrative’s dramatic grip tightens. Horror fans will love the surprising moments, as when one villain is eaten alive (“There was so much blood, and still the butcher shrieked, arching his body and flapping what remained of his arms and legs like bloody flippers”). While dragons are legends, missing from the world, readers instead meet the endearing Shrail, a giant talking bat. Yet change is the thematic center here. As Nubis says, “If you resist it, you will always be disappointed....Accept it, and it might be used to your advantage.” A wider world awaits in the sequel.

An intoxicating, top-flight dark fantasy.