A VENGEFUL REALM

In this fantasy debut, which opens a prospective trilogy, an enslaved man fights to regain his memory as well as his freedom in gladiatorial arenas.

As the story opens, Zephyrus finds that he can’t remember anything about his past—or, indeed, anything before the present moment. In his pocket is a scroll written to the King of New Rheynia, designating Zephyrus as an “emissary of peace” and signed “AVR.” It turns out that Zephyrus is also tied to a prophecy; apparently, he’s one of “the Three Prophets,” but not certain which one he reputedly is. After enslavers capture him, Laeden, New Rheynia’s crown prince, sees Zephyrus as a potential asset; he buys him at auction and sells him to an earl, so that Zephyrus can act as Laeden’s spy. His mission is to get close to someone belonging to the Revivalists, a group that just attempted to assassinate the king. Zephyrus, like other enslaved people, must fight as a gladiator, and the Revivalists, convinced he’s a potential threat, try to kill him. Meanwhile, all of New Rheynia may soon face the Uprising, in which a gathering of Celestics (unlawful mages) seek vengeance against the kingdom. Facciola presents readers with a densely plotted narrative; Zephyrus must grapple with a dizzying wealth of new information, and scenes throughout introduce a wide range of people and places. The author, however, gradually unpacks an engaging story as several of Zephyrus’ memories return and make some of the villains’ sinister motives transparent from the beginning. Arena-set action sequences shine (“As soon as Zephyrus came to [gladiator] Fenyx’s aid, he was consumed in a whirlwind of red-and-black and blue-and-white gladiators”), but even more impressive is the constant political maneuvering, as characters mingle with enemies while plotting against them. There is, of course, plenty of mystery, and Facciola amps up excitement with signs of magic, appearances from gods, and betrayals. With a sequel in the offing, it’s hardly surprising that many questions linger at the end.

A memorable cast headlines a bold, exhilarating epic tale that’s only just getting started.