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A review by kmartbooks
An Incarnation of Shadow and Light by S.A. Christianson
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.25
Thanks to Hidden Hollow Book Tours, the publisher, and the author for the review copy. This review is honest and voluntary.
This is a story set in a corrupt and power-hungry Victorian-inspired world, where magic is both revered and feared in equal parts. At the heart of the story are four intricately crafted characters, each wielding magic and navigating their own moral complexities. Christianson masterfully explores the complexities of morality and the shades of grey that define each character's journey. They are all equally unlikeable and loveable in varied amounts. I really loved this aspect of the story.
Gabriel is a charismatic and hedonistic socialite who embodies the allure of power and indulgence, willing to tread darker paths to maintain his influence and control. His platonic life partner is Zoe. She is driven by a desire to forge her own destiny despite the constraints of her role. Niklas is looking to take power that was taken from him. He is haunted by his past but seeks purpose. Silje, his dangerous assassin and half-sister navigates the precarious balance between her desire for love and acceptance and her penchant for violence and revenge. Also - Silje is basically Villanelle from Killing Eve and I WAS HERE for it.
The richly imagined world-building adds depth the story, offering readers a varied tapestry of different kingdoms and cultures to immerse themselves in. This is a compelling exploration of ambition, populated by flawed yet compelling characters who grapple with their own demons and desires. With its intricate plot and morally ambiguous protagonists, this book is sure to captivate readers!
This is a story set in a corrupt and power-hungry Victorian-inspired world, where magic is both revered and feared in equal parts. At the heart of the story are four intricately crafted characters, each wielding magic and navigating their own moral complexities. Christianson masterfully explores the complexities of morality and the shades of grey that define each character's journey. They are all equally unlikeable and loveable in varied amounts. I really loved this aspect of the story.
Gabriel is a charismatic and hedonistic socialite who embodies the allure of power and indulgence, willing to tread darker paths to maintain his influence and control. His platonic life partner is Zoe. She is driven by a desire to forge her own destiny despite the constraints of her role. Niklas is looking to take power that was taken from him. He is haunted by his past but seeks purpose. Silje, his dangerous assassin and half-sister navigates the precarious balance between her desire for love and acceptance and her penchant for violence and revenge. Also - Silje is basically Villanelle from Killing Eve and I WAS HERE for it.
The richly imagined world-building adds depth the story, offering readers a varied tapestry of different kingdoms and cultures to immerse themselves in. This is a compelling exploration of ambition, populated by flawed yet compelling characters who grapple with their own demons and desires. With its intricate plot and morally ambiguous protagonists, this book is sure to captivate readers!