A review by irl_bookworms
Scorpica by G.R. Macallister

adventurous dark emotional 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

4.5

Right away, I can tell this will be a Marmite book. This fast style of storytellig is just not going to work for some folks. But those that do love it? Oh they will love every minute of it!

In a really interesting style that is both brutal and unforgiving, Macallister develops a world of five Queendoms, each with their own unique cultures, religions, and economies.

First off, I love to see an author who is unafraid to kill, harm, or injure their imperfect characters and Macallister is that kind of author. We follow an incredible cast of characters from Queens to slaves, an ancient god, and even ragtag group of bandits. And I devoured every single POV. 

Second, there is so much that happens in these 450 pages - it almost feels as if this could have been an epic series on its own if each of the stories were more fleshed out. As it stands, the plot moves very quickly, but not so fast that you don’t connect with the characters and become involved in the plot. Still, I would have loved to have gotten even closer and to have had the chance to get very emotionally involved with each fascinating character in this cast. They were just so good!!

I definitely recommend readers giving this a chance, but if the first few chapters don’t entrap you, I would advise against continuing - this won’t be the book for you and that is plenty okay.

Actual rating 4.5 rounded up - 0.5 stars knocked off because of the suddenness of the resolution and how this seems to read as a complete standalone - so I’m not sure where a series can develop from this? Ooh but if we get a series of standalones, with a focus on each of the five Queendoms? I would adore that!

CW: Human sacrifice, descriptions of birth, child abandonment, slavery, selling children, graphic violence, sexual content

*I received an eARC from Simon & Schuster Canada, Gallery / Saga Press & NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

Expand filter menu Content Warnings