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A review by spiringempress
The Broken Crown by Michelle West
4.0
In the morning, she would wake, and she would plan. Because she had declared war, and now she must fight it. Nothing else was left her. Nothing at all.
West's The Broken Crown is completely unique and unlike any fantasy book that I have ever come across before. The closest comparison is ASOIAF and only because the book contains a cast of characters with their individual agendas and goals, as well as, establishing a foundation for an epic and drawn out story. However, it is not a true comparison and no one should expect this series to be anything like ASOIAF because it is wholly original with some standout characters.
The story starts in one place and then continues with a set of characters in the Dominion of Annagar, where the clan Tor Leonne reigns dominant. It focuses on the clan Marano that consists of two brothers, Sendari and Adano, who vie for control of the indomitable Serra Theresa, who possesses the gift of the voice. The voice is hinted to be the ability to control the actions of other people, as well as, read the intention behind people's words. Serra Theresa has spent her entire life behind the closed doors of the clan Marano. She also promised to take care of her brother and his late wife's daughter, Diora, who also possesses the voice.
Overall, the story is split between Diora's childhood and her venture into womanhood. In the first part, West establishes the history of the clan Marano and the various relationships between Serra Theresa and her brothers. Adano is a talented military man while Sendari has always favored scholarly pursuits and desires to become Widan, a type of wise man who learns to perform magic. He was also married to Alora, who died giving birth to Diora. Both Serra Theresa and Sendari hold Alora in esteem and made individual promises to keep Diora safe.
Diora's hand is eventually promised to the rising heir within the clan of Tor Leonne. Unbeknownst to her, Sendari along with his friend General Alesso are planning to root out the clan and take over the seat of power. This, of course, leads to a lot of political machinations and an exploration of the system present in the Dominion, which must be carefully maneuvered for Sendair and Alesso to be successful. However, what they fail to take into account is the wrath of a scorned woman, who has made a promise to her sisters by marriage.
This is not an easy book to read. If you think George R.R. Martin or Robert Jordan are detailed-oriented and love to expand on the smallest detail of their book, character, or plot then you'll be impressed that West takes it to another level. Therefore, this is not the book/series for everyone. West explores her characters in-depth and the plots that they become involved in by looking at their daily activities and exchanges. It, therefore, will not appeal to someone, who likes fast-paced fantasy or traditional storylines in this genre.
My only criticism has to do with the cast of characters and how they are featured. The book opens with a healer from the isle of Averalaan Aramarelas, who is abducted by a man named Isladar. It is hinted that he serves a Lord, who is evil. Part of this involves the healer, Askeyia, who is sexually assaulted and becomes pregnant with a child named Kiriel, who can turn the tides of the war against the Lord of Hell. The book also introduces another woman, who goes to take care of Kiriel. However, the next part switches to the characters in Tor Leonne and Kiriel resurfaces later as the political landscape unfolds. It is a weird transition and while the beginning communicated Kiriel's importance, the rest of the book fails to extol on this. However, I am sure that the sequel will explore this more in-depth
West's The Broken Crown is completely unique and unlike any fantasy book that I have ever come across before. The closest comparison is ASOIAF and only because the book contains a cast of characters with their individual agendas and goals, as well as, establishing a foundation for an epic and drawn out story. However, it is not a true comparison and no one should expect this series to be anything like ASOIAF because it is wholly original with some standout characters.
The story starts in one place and then continues with a set of characters in the Dominion of Annagar, where the clan Tor Leonne reigns dominant. It focuses on the clan Marano that consists of two brothers, Sendari and Adano, who vie for control of the indomitable Serra Theresa, who possesses the gift of the voice. The voice is hinted to be the ability to control the actions of other people, as well as, read the intention behind people's words. Serra Theresa has spent her entire life behind the closed doors of the clan Marano. She also promised to take care of her brother and his late wife's daughter, Diora, who also possesses the voice.
Overall, the story is split between Diora's childhood and her venture into womanhood. In the first part, West establishes the history of the clan Marano and the various relationships between Serra Theresa and her brothers. Adano is a talented military man while Sendari has always favored scholarly pursuits and desires to become Widan, a type of wise man who learns to perform magic. He was also married to Alora, who died giving birth to Diora. Both Serra Theresa and Sendari hold Alora in esteem and made individual promises to keep Diora safe.
Diora's hand is eventually promised to the rising heir within the clan of Tor Leonne. Unbeknownst to her, Sendari along with his friend General Alesso are planning to root out the clan and take over the seat of power. This, of course, leads to a lot of political machinations and an exploration of the system present in the Dominion, which must be carefully maneuvered for Sendair and Alesso to be successful. However, what they fail to take into account is the wrath of a scorned woman, who has made a promise to her sisters by marriage.
This is not an easy book to read. If you think George R.R. Martin or Robert Jordan are detailed-oriented and love to expand on the smallest detail of their book, character, or plot then you'll be impressed that West takes it to another level. Therefore, this is not the book/series for everyone. West explores her characters in-depth and the plots that they become involved in by looking at their daily activities and exchanges. It, therefore, will not appeal to someone, who likes fast-paced fantasy or traditional storylines in this genre.
My only criticism has to do with the cast of characters and how they are featured. The book opens with a healer from the isle of Averalaan Aramarelas, who is abducted by a man named Isladar. It is hinted that he serves a Lord, who is evil. Part of this involves the healer, Askeyia, who is sexually assaulted and becomes pregnant with a child named Kiriel, who can turn the tides of the war against the Lord of Hell. The book also introduces another woman, who goes to take care of Kiriel. However, the next part switches to the characters in Tor Leonne and Kiriel resurfaces later as the political landscape unfolds. It is a weird transition and while the beginning communicated Kiriel's importance, the rest of the book fails to extol on this. However, I am sure that the sequel will explore this more in-depth