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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This is a gory, tall fantasy tale exploring themes of war and its effects, racial diversity and hate, and the looming hope of collectivism

In a fantasy world where the land and soil have begun to decay, Humans and Orcs have been at war over resources and fertile land for ages. When a new far more ruthless foe arrives, a species known as the Vangol, both sides are forced to look to a treaty in an attempt to unite against this new threat.

It all sounds like a troupe that's been over-exploited, which it is, but this time, it's very well written with excellent pacing and phenomenal art. The first chapter perfectly introduces you to the world and setting in a way that immediately piques your interest. The character designs and colors are gorgeous to behold, each panel (especially the spreads) extremely detailed, and the action sequences are executed flawlessly.

All that being said, not a lot happens in this volume though, and it still has its flaws. The world-building was good but could have been expanded upon a little for a first volume. The characters are likeable but not very compelling, and their actions and interactions sometimes feel forced and not properly developed. The leads in particular felt like they didn't get to know each other enough to warrant the emotional attachment and outburst that later progressed in this volume.

I'm still very much invested in the story and their journey, at least enough to pick up the next couple of volumes. Giving this four stars because of how much I liked the art, and I recommend this for fantasy fans.
adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous dark emotional inspiring sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging dark emotional tense 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: Yes

It's so good. High fantasy in a dying world on a scale that feels both epic and deeply personal. I can't wait to read the next one!!
adventurous tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

guys, it's so important to me that we stop having cousins who are in love with each other in the year of our lord 2025. I know it's a fantasy trope (& also like historically accurate to olden times) but... can we please let it go?

anyway really liked the art & themes & cast of characters, but I want to spend more time with all the fun little guys before we just battle & whatever. overall, not for me. put these characters in a novel & make them quit pining for their cousins & I'd have a nice time.
adventurous fast-paced
sockielady's profile picture

sockielady's review

4.25
adventurous dark fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
paul_e's profile picture

paul_e's review

DID NOT FINISH: 42%

Lost interest.