A review by will_cherico
The Sword of the Dawn by Michael Moorcock

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This is the best worldbuilding yet in the History of the Runestaff, and since the setting is what keeps me coming back that makes this my favorite book in the saga so far. I love the increasing characterization of the Dark Empire of Granbretan as almost gentlemanly in addition to their evil; It reflects the real-world sinister attitude held by the imperialist forces of the British Empire, and their constantly increasing reach adds this sense of urgency even when they aren't the main focus of the story. I kind of like the episodic nature of these stories but I'm also hoping the final book is more linear, and I would like to get more from the Warrior in Jet and Gold beyond just showing up to help Hawkmoon out of a jam at the very end. Stoked to see D'Averc get so much page time, he's a great example of the witty scoundrel archetype.