A review by meetmeinmalkovich
Elegy of a Fragmented Vineyard by Kaden Love

dark reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

It’s hard to believe that a work with such profound themes of morality and vice meshed with a unique take of acquired/stolen powers – in this case, the harvesting of a special organ from an Endower to an Endowed, gifting them with god-like powers – is Kaden Love’s debut novel. And he made it a Kickstarter success to boot!

The story, while it sounds and starts a bit gruesome, actually isn’t as dark as it appears. It’s more a speculation on politics and religion. Phenmir goes against this harvest while Aerhee is the opposite, working to preserve the heinous ritual. It unravels a world of protests, political strife, and eventually a rebellion I felt in my toes (quite literally there was a part that made my Achilles phantom ache.)

Very dystopian, almost liminal. Worth reading.

My  CAWPILE Ratings: 62/70
Characters: 9/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Intrigue: 9/10
Logic: 9/10
Enjoyment/Vibes: 10/10