THE SPIRIT OF A RISING SUN

In Galindez’s fantasy novel, a wrongfully imprisoned servant becomes an unlikely player in an empire’s struggle for power.

Oyza has spent two years in prison in the Parthassian Empire after being falsely accused of attempting to murder her employer’s daughter, Liviana—a formidable commander and political leader. Meanwhile, Liviana has conquered Judge’s Pass, a major city and strategic stronghold, and is secretly planning a coup with the help of her father, Minister Nalus Valador. When an unexpected attack from the neighboring Haf navy cracks the dungeon walls, Oyza and fellow prisoner Yars make a daring escape. (“Stone towers built above the ramparts came crashing down onto the scrambling soldiers below in a storm of dust and blood.”) In the aftermath, the aging Emperor Edras is dead, and his eldest son has also perished while defending the empire’s walls, creating a power vacuum in which Liviana and the emperor’s two remaining sons vie for dominance. The ensuing struggle stretches across the continent of Vaaz to Shimwood and, ultimately, Oyvassa, Oyza’s birthplace. Now free from prison, Oyza and Yars embark on a quest to recover weapon schematics hidden by their friend Mapa, joining the Ungoverned in their effort to topple both Hafrir and the Parthassian Empire. Their loyalties are tested along the way, especially when Oyza discovers that one of the admirals in the Haf fleet is her long-lost brother, forcing her to choose between family and the Ungoverned’s cause. A fantastic adventure that incorporates magical artifacts, perilous quests, and a military coup, this novel is a strong entry in the high fantasy genre. The story benefits from a tightly constructed plot that never lags, but what stands out most are the characterizations of the major players and the relationships they share. The bond that develops between Oyza and Yars provides the novel’s emotional core, lending weight to its larger political conflicts. Although certain plot elements, like Oyza’s repeated imprisonments, feel repetitive at times, the story provides a fresh and exciting take on the traditional fantasy yarn.

A richly imagined saga that deftly balances sweeping political intrigue with heartfelt relationships.