Review: Desulti
Desulti: An Epic Fantasy by Ross Hightower and Deb Heim
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
I was super excited to visit Vollen to meet Tove, an Alle'oss who bears her people's cruel oppression engraved into her own skin. This incredible journey was made possible thanks to Ross Hightower and Deb Heim's Desulti. Rescued by Brie, a fierce Desulti Murtair, Tove is confronted with an extraordinary chance: the possibility to enter the mysterious Desulti order, a refuge considered a sanctuary for women seeking protection. Under the safety of these walls, she has to navigate a treacherous labyrinth of lies in order to protect not only the Alle'oss rebellion but her own life.
This epic fantasy is filled with complex world-building and strong heroines, and the authors have crafted a society so vivid that one can practically taste the dust of its dark alleys and feel the luxury of each room. The pacing is absolutely thrilling, with tension balanced against intermittent reflection. The multiple viewpoints, from Brie to Lyssa or Nessa, enrich the narrative, painting a world of stark class divides and political machinations. Each character feels distinct, their relationships vivid and emotionally charged.
Tove is a very strong protagonist with a great arc. She is by far the standout feature of this book. Her incredible resilience, forged through the toughest of challenges, yet tempered by the brightest of hopes, infuses the story with heart and spirit. Her sharp instincts remind me of Brandon Sanderson's Vin in Mistborn: The Final Empire, even though Tove's path feels more personal.
I was captivated by the scenes at the tavern, where Tove's interactions with other Desulti women ignite moments of pure joy and liberation. These scenes are so vividly described, they carried me into a world beyond typical fantasy. The tale of female resilience is a powerful one, and one that will resonate deeply with anyone who reads it. It's a breath of fresh air compared to something like The Name of the Wind, where character growth is either forced or non-existent.
If I were to offer the novel any slight criticism, I might say that occasionally the intricate game within a game gets a little confusing, and I sometimes longed for a touch more clarity. Yet this did not impact on my reading experience at all. The vibrant and compelling prose carried the story along effortlessly.
I wholeheartedly suggest that any fantasy reader who love sprawling, immersive worlds and strong, flawed heroines get a copy of Desulti. If you liked the well-thought-out background to The Poppy War or the vivid characters of Mistborn, I am sure this book will be to your taste. It has such warmth, and after you read it, it will leave you wondering when you can return to Tove's world next.
I would like to thank Ross Hightower, Deb Heim and Black Rose Writing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Interested in this book? Get it here.
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