Review: The Silverblood Promise
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
For the fans of fantasy where world-building is elaborate and characters are fleshed out completely, The Silverblood Promise by James Logan is a true treasure. I read this book over the course of a weekend, completely engrossed in its sheer depth, and couldn't wait to share my experience with fellow enthusiastic readers. This first novel blends gritty action and a carefully built world to win the reader over with one of the years' top reads.
The story follows Lukan Gardova, a nobleman who is stripped of his title and reformed as a rogue, driven by a hunger for revenge over the murder of his father. Chased by mercenaries and pursued by cunning lords, he is drawn towards the cryptic legacy of the Silverblood, uncovering a web of betrayal and enchantment in the process. While the reasons behind this are left mostly undiscerned until the end, the tale maintains a delicate equilibrium between high stakes and personal character.
Logan excels in a myriad of ways. The pacing is expertly handled, starting with a hooking beginning that flows flawlessly from thrilling action sequences to reflective moments where the characters can finally take the forefront and shine in all their glory. Lukan himself is compelling, as he is flawed but charismatic, with a depth to him reminiscent of Kissen in Godkiller by Hannah Kaner, albeit his character has a darker bent. The supporting cast is no less impressive, with both deadly allies and powerful enemies that fill Sorrow’s lively world. The setting is likewise top-notch, with the city’s battered streets and massive spires drawn in vivid, immersive detail.
What really makes this novel work is Logan’s writing, which is a high point worth celebrating. It is both vivid and direct, the equivalent of the clarity in M.L. Wang’s The Sword of Kaigen in its description, but with a raw edge so close to being noir-like. Every sentence drew me deeper into the dark centre of Sorrow and made the weight upon Lukan more pronounced.
The Silverblood Promise is a triumph for readers who relish character-driven fantasy with a strong sense of place. Those who enjoyed the expansive stakes of The Shadow of What Was Lost or the emotional depth of The Fifth Season will find much to admire here. It’s an ideal pick for anyone seeking a tale that’s both thrilling and poignant, perfect for an evening lost in a world of intrigue and wonder. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Interested in this book? Get it here.
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