whitepaperbag 's review for:

The Coward by Stephen Aryan
5.0

(4.5) I love the detail of the world and social systems this book goes into without being too overwhelming, a common occurrence that repels me from most fantasy books, despite my interest in the genre. Enough is left to the imagination to keep the novel casual and not over bearing. The story itself is captivating, suspenseful, and successful in a compelling mystery that drives in the back of your mind as much as the primary protagonist Kell. Has the Ice Litch returned? Is Kell truly worthy for a second pilgrimage to the frozen north to repeat his first triumph? You truly feel involved in the journey as you find out more about Kell as he does so himself as well along with a side cast of adventurers you can easily care for or question the motives of.