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A review by joaosilvawrites
Blackwing by Ed McDonald
5.0
I first read Blackwing in 2018, shortly after its release and have just now finished re-reading it. All my first impressions still stand.
It felt like a fresh take on Epic Fantasy, and it shines on doing things that are familiar but in unexpectedly different ways. Bold choices were made: it took a while to get me invested for the first 25% because the author doesn't hold the readers' hands while setting up the world, the characters and the plot, but everything else comes beautifully together and ends in an extremely satisfying way.
Blackwing successfully draws inspiration from other genres: there are mystery plots and detective tropes. There are scenes that could be considered Cosmic Horror for sure. There is also a romantic subplot that I found unexpected, but which worked rather well. There is also quite a good mix of political intrigue. The magic and the setting are unique and original, and I cannot stress enough how important that is to me.
If you like gritty fantasy books that challenge tropes and expectations while delivering highly-satisfying endings, DO pick up Blackwing. It will be worth your time.
It felt like a fresh take on Epic Fantasy, and it shines on doing things that are familiar but in unexpectedly different ways. Bold choices were made: it took a while to get me invested for the first 25% because the author doesn't hold the readers' hands while setting up the world, the characters and the plot, but everything else comes beautifully together and ends in an extremely satisfying way.
Blackwing successfully draws inspiration from other genres: there are mystery plots and detective tropes. There are scenes that could be considered Cosmic Horror for sure. There is also a romantic subplot that I found unexpected, but which worked rather well. There is also quite a good mix of political intrigue. The magic and the setting are unique and original, and I cannot stress enough how important that is to me.
If you like gritty fantasy books that challenge tropes and expectations while delivering highly-satisfying endings, DO pick up Blackwing. It will be worth your time.