A review by roxxie
Talonsister by Jen Williams

adventurous dark mysterious slow-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? It's complicated

4.0

A Soaring Fantasy Adventure with Depth and Heart


Jen Williams' Talonsister is an exciting and fascinating trip into a world where magic, mystery, and complicated characters combine to create a captivating story of identity, power, and survival. This story expertly blends fast-paced action and deep emotional resonance, making it an engaging read for epic fantasy lovers like me.


Talonsister ♦ Jen Williams

Opinion

The story revolves around three primary characters, each with their own unique voice and narrative arc. Leven, a former Herald and magical warrior, is probably the most intriguing of the three. Her battle with forgotten memories and search for identity in a world that has abandoned her after using her as a weapon is moving and realistic. Williams does a wonderful job of depicting Leven’s shattered psyche, dragging the reader into her uncertainty and desperation as she begins to see bizarre dreams of Brittletain, the mythical island steeped in magic and violence.

Leven’s path of self-discovery is paralleled by the experiences of Envoy Kaeto and Ynis, each of whom contributes a distinct perspective and stake to the story. Kaeto, a seasoned Imperium operative, offers a tough and morally complex worldview. His assignment to accompany Gynid Tyleigh, the bone-crafter responsible for generating Heralds such as Leven, adds layers of political intrigue and ethical quandaries to the plot. Kaeto’s rising concerns about Tyleigh’s goals, notably her discovery of a new source of Titan bones, foreshadow a future conflict with disastrous results.

Ynis, the wild girl raised by griffins, brings a more primal and magical perspective to the story. Her relationship with her talon-sister, T’rook, is one of the novel’s most wonderfully described scenes. The way Williams conveys Brittletain’s untamed energy and the strong bond between Ynis and the griffins is both enchanting and heartbreaking. Ynis‚ journey, as her past begins to catch up with her, is fraught with tension and wonder, making her chapters among the most compelling in the novel.

The world-building in Talonsister is rich and imaginative, with the island of Brittletain serving as a character in its own right. Williams creates a vivid image of this ancient and frightening world, complete with warring queens, untamed magic, and mysteries hidden deep beneath the ground. The place is brought to life through beautiful descriptions and a sense of history, adding dimension to the plot.

The novel has one minor flaw: the many perspectives and intricate plot lines can feel overpowering at times. The pacing occasionally pauses to accommodate the weight of world-building or the characters‘ internal problems. However, these times are few and far between, and the general narrative is powerful enough so it kept me engaged.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Talonsister is a compelling and entertaining fantasy story that delves into themes of identity, loyalty, and the costs of power. Jen Williams has written a story that is filled with inventiveness and emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. Despite some minor pacing flaws, the book’s engaging characters, sophisticated plot, and well drawn universe make it an excellent addition to any fantasy fan’s library.


This review was first published at The Art of Reading.