Reviews

The Silverblood Promise by James Logan

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gayathiri_rajendran's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

kendylldrilling's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

dawn_marie's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The Silverblood Promise, James Logan’s debut fantasy novel was a highly entertaining and enjoyable read. The story follows Lukan Gardova who - after being expelled by the academy for a duel that went badly wrong causing an estrangement with his father - spends his days gambling, drinking, and romancing women. Lukan flitters from town to town, looking for the next card game. One day his father’s steward tracks Lukan down, informing him that his father had been murdered, and the only clue is a blood-stained note with three words. Note in hand, Lukan heads to the fabled city of Saphrona, hoping to uncover the truth of his father’s death, and finding himself embroiled in a greater mystery.

The world building was top notch; from the run-down slum where we first meet Lukan to the merchant city of Saphrona, each location was fully realized and described in vivid details. Although some information regarding history and culture felt a little info-dumpy, they did not deter from the overall flow of the story, and they added layers to the author’s world. While there is magic in this world, it felt less supernatural and more technological – I won’t say more because [River Song Voice] Spoilers. I enjoyed Mr. Logan’s take on magic, it’s origins and its uses.

The character work was well done, with the main characters being fully realized, complex, and interesting. I especially like Lukan and his unlikely partner, Flea. I thought the evolution of their friendship/partnership was handled well, feeling natural and realistic. Both characters were charming, likeable, and rootable – I found myself very invested in their fates. Most of the supporting characters were handled well, providing Lukan with necessary information and/or moving the plot. There were numerous mentions of individuals from Lukan’s past, not to mention a specific race of individuals – which makes me think we’ll be seeing them in future installments.

The pacing was good. After a moderately slow start, where the reader is first introduced to Lukan, and Lukan learns of his father’s murder the pace picks up – especially after he enters Saphrona. I enjoyed Mr. Logan’s prose; it was simple and direct, yet there was an eloquence to it. I thought the dialog (especially between Lukan and Flea) and Lukan’s (often self-deprecating and sarcastic) inner monologues were the highlights of the story.

The Silverblood Promise, a mystery-based, heist inspired fantasy story is filled with charming, engaging characters, snappy and witty dialogue, and an intriguing plot that moves well. This novel was one of my most anticipated releases of 2024, and I am very glad that it did not disappoint. I look forward to future installments in the series.