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A review by its_justine
Chains of Blood by M.L. Spencer
5.0
All he had left was a boundless guilt and a terrible power he didn’t understand. He was a prisoner of both, and there was no escaping either.
Chains of Blood is the first installment in ML Spencer’s newest dark epic The Chaos Cycle, and is a tale of cunning demons, broken heroes, and the brutal and catastrophic realities of war. This book also marks my first descent into the war-torn lands of the Rhen and beyond, a battered world that swiftly sunk its claws in and refuses to let go. This story is an account of love, loss, and sacrifice, and the lengths one is willing to go in order to protect what they truly cherish, while haunted by a regretful past, desperately hoping to salvage the future. Within its blood-soaked pages we witness a grisly enslavement of mind, body, and soul under the guise of unity as a foreign force threatens absolute domination. The fight for continued freedom is uncertain, but one that must prevail.
"Desperate men do desperate things."
This story is a beautifully harrowing and emotional journey that really boils down to the deepest of love and respect. It begins with tragedy as a father returns from the war front only to have his children violently torn from him by a mysterious and dangerous foe. The resulting dreadful anguish and ceaseless perseverance in the face of heartbreaking loss is palpable and utterly poignant. While his legacy cultivates both fear and reverence, the promise of aid from those around him continues to drive him forward. However, manipulation and betrayal continue to forge his path, leading to a pilgrimage wrought by nothing but lies and agony, and also the dawn of another war where the flame of hope seems all but extingushed.
As we venture for answers, there is such a profound sense of wonder in the environments Spencer constructs around us. Continents showing signs of European, Middle Eastern, and Asian-inspired cultures, each place we’re delivered to is incredibly unique and awe-inspiring. The sprawling farmlands of the Kingdoms, the soaring verdigris-domed towers of Karikesh, the deafeningly silent avenues of Suheylu Ra – the entirety of the world hides dangerous secrets just waiting to be discovered. The effects of potent and fascinating magic siphoned directly from the heart of the land are evident in settings marred by devastation, but most compelling is the unknown that unravels as you continue to read.
"We alone are in command of our own fate, and no other. Not any man. Not any god. We sit in the seat of our own judgment and mete out the consequences of our decisions upon ourselves."
Another aspect I thoroughly appreciated throughout was the introduction and development of a diverse cast that refuses to adhere to the many stereotypes of those typically portrayed in this genre. Willing and sympathetic mages, patient and remorseful rulers, reluctant and uncertain soldiers – there are plenty of instances that challenge beliefs and limitations, always pushing them to adapt to the dire situations at hand. Observing events unfold through the eyes of two seemingly different characters through alternating chapters, it’s apparent everyone has their own agendas. However, as the story advances, each greatly transforms, keeping readers fully invested as priorities shift and new information comes to light. This evolution is so wonderfully executed, and my personal favorite aspect of the entire story.
Chains of Blood is a perfectly paced, gorgeously conveyed, and unforgiving tale filled with relentless action, mystifying magic, and driven characters resistant to surrender their hold on the frayed strings of hope. While this is set in the same world as Spencer’s best-selling series The Rhenwars Saga, no prior knowledge is needed to fully enjoy this remarkable onset of her new narrative The Chaos Cycle. Completely surpassing my expectations, this book has quickly become one of my favorite reads of the year, and I can’t wait to see where we’re taken next. I highly recommend.
NOTE: A huge thank you to ML for a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chains of Blood is the first installment in ML Spencer’s newest dark epic The Chaos Cycle, and is a tale of cunning demons, broken heroes, and the brutal and catastrophic realities of war. This book also marks my first descent into the war-torn lands of the Rhen and beyond, a battered world that swiftly sunk its claws in and refuses to let go. This story is an account of love, loss, and sacrifice, and the lengths one is willing to go in order to protect what they truly cherish, while haunted by a regretful past, desperately hoping to salvage the future. Within its blood-soaked pages we witness a grisly enslavement of mind, body, and soul under the guise of unity as a foreign force threatens absolute domination. The fight for continued freedom is uncertain, but one that must prevail.
"Desperate men do desperate things."
This story is a beautifully harrowing and emotional journey that really boils down to the deepest of love and respect. It begins with tragedy as a father returns from the war front only to have his children violently torn from him by a mysterious and dangerous foe. The resulting dreadful anguish and ceaseless perseverance in the face of heartbreaking loss is palpable and utterly poignant. While his legacy cultivates both fear and reverence, the promise of aid from those around him continues to drive him forward. However, manipulation and betrayal continue to forge his path, leading to a pilgrimage wrought by nothing but lies and agony, and also the dawn of another war where the flame of hope seems all but extingushed.
As we venture for answers, there is such a profound sense of wonder in the environments Spencer constructs around us. Continents showing signs of European, Middle Eastern, and Asian-inspired cultures, each place we’re delivered to is incredibly unique and awe-inspiring. The sprawling farmlands of the Kingdoms, the soaring verdigris-domed towers of Karikesh, the deafeningly silent avenues of Suheylu Ra – the entirety of the world hides dangerous secrets just waiting to be discovered. The effects of potent and fascinating magic siphoned directly from the heart of the land are evident in settings marred by devastation, but most compelling is the unknown that unravels as you continue to read.
"We alone are in command of our own fate, and no other. Not any man. Not any god. We sit in the seat of our own judgment and mete out the consequences of our decisions upon ourselves."
Another aspect I thoroughly appreciated throughout was the introduction and development of a diverse cast that refuses to adhere to the many stereotypes of those typically portrayed in this genre. Willing and sympathetic mages, patient and remorseful rulers, reluctant and uncertain soldiers – there are plenty of instances that challenge beliefs and limitations, always pushing them to adapt to the dire situations at hand. Observing events unfold through the eyes of two seemingly different characters through alternating chapters, it’s apparent everyone has their own agendas. However, as the story advances, each greatly transforms, keeping readers fully invested as priorities shift and new information comes to light. This evolution is so wonderfully executed, and my personal favorite aspect of the entire story.
Chains of Blood is a perfectly paced, gorgeously conveyed, and unforgiving tale filled with relentless action, mystifying magic, and driven characters resistant to surrender their hold on the frayed strings of hope. While this is set in the same world as Spencer’s best-selling series The Rhenwars Saga, no prior knowledge is needed to fully enjoy this remarkable onset of her new narrative The Chaos Cycle. Completely surpassing my expectations, this book has quickly become one of my favorite reads of the year, and I can’t wait to see where we’re taken next. I highly recommend.
NOTE: A huge thank you to ML for a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.