A review by quickspells
Far Removed by C.B. Lansdell

4.0

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Everything I say here is my own opinion.

Far Removed by C.B. Lansdell is a debut novel that sets its ambitions high. The book introduces a captivating world that stands out – and in the best way!

The story follows two main characters: Oklas Sayve, a bold politician and college director challenging his world's norms, and Prismer, a gifted artist grappling with her own struggles. Both undergo significant personal growth throughout the novel, as they're confronted with truths about themselves and their society, leading them to question the impact of their efforts.

I really connected with Prismer at the start, but surprisingly, Oklas really won me over by the end. The supporting characters, particularly Rosh and Ilu, also added real depth to the narrative and rounded out the world, and I really hope to see more of them in the next book.

Beyond the impressive world-building and well-crafted characters, Lansdell subtly addresses crucial social issues. However, one concern I have is that the book's approach to this might be too vague at times, in an attempt to make them relatable to a greater audience. While this approach has its merits, it could potentially dilute the overall focus.

Another challenge I encountered was the abundance of specialized jargon and explanations unique to the world. But, considering that this is a debut novel with a complex setting, I can forgive that as I look forward to the sequel.

Ultimately, Far Removed offers readers a thought-provoking and enjoyable experience. Lansdell is a talented writer, and I look forward to seeing more from her as she continues to develop her unique voice.