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A review by nclcaitlin
The Lost War by Justin Lee Anderson
4.25
How much blood could Eidyn spill before it drowned?
The war overthrowing a corrupt and cruel King is over, but dealing with the after effects seems harder.
Not only do they have to deal with demons killing and burning land, a spreading deadly plague, they also have to contend with violent mercenaries taking advantage of Eidyn’s plights.
Was the war worth whatever semblance of peace they’ve managed to cobble together?
We follow the King’s council. A group consisting of the king’s envoy, his bodyguard (and lover); the navy general, the war general; a holy White Thorn Knight sworn to follow God, her monk companion; and finally, a young blacksmith adopted into their group.
They must learn to trust each other as they discover the dark truths of the state of their lands.
“All people are born innocent. Their lives shape them. Some are self-ish. Some make poor choices. Some are manipulated. It is not for me to judge them. God will do that, and they will have to answer for their lives. For me to hate them would be" - she shrugged - "pointless."
The characterisations were insanely good. I loved how Anderson incorporated them seamlessly within the story.
There was even asexuality representation which I loved to see!
”Compliment my skill, my strength, my sword even - -but not my face. It is an accident of birth, a gift from parents I never knew. I have no claim to it and I take
no pride in it."
What I love in fantasies is when authors manage to capture real problems in an otherworldly setting where magic and monsters are as scary, and normal, as human nature.
This is especially genius in this book with multiple povs from different ages, genders, occupations, and upbringings.
Draoidh was generally spat as an insult, rarely welcoming. He understood the fear. People weren't comfortable with someone who could do things they couldn't. He only wore the armour when he knew it might be necessary. He couldn't remember the last day he'd gone without it.
THAT END. Wow. Incredible.
I would recommend this if you liked the Traitors Blade by Sebastian DeCastell or the Riyria Revelations by Michael J. Sullivan.
Thank you to Orbit for providing a physical arc in exchange for a review!
The war overthrowing a corrupt and cruel King is over, but dealing with the after effects seems harder.
Not only do they have to deal with demons killing and burning land, a spreading deadly plague, they also have to contend with violent mercenaries taking advantage of Eidyn’s plights.
Was the war worth whatever semblance of peace they’ve managed to cobble together?
We follow the King’s council. A group consisting of the king’s envoy, his bodyguard (and lover); the navy general, the war general; a holy White Thorn Knight sworn to follow God, her monk companion; and finally, a young blacksmith adopted into their group.
They must learn to trust each other as they discover the dark truths of the state of their lands.
“All people are born innocent. Their lives shape them. Some are self-ish. Some make poor choices. Some are manipulated. It is not for me to judge them. God will do that, and they will have to answer for their lives. For me to hate them would be" - she shrugged - "pointless."
The characterisations were insanely good. I loved how Anderson incorporated them seamlessly within the story.
There was even asexuality representation which I loved to see!
”Compliment my skill, my strength, my sword even - -but not my face. It is an accident of birth, a gift from parents I never knew. I have no claim to it and I take
no pride in it."
What I love in fantasies is when authors manage to capture real problems in an otherworldly setting where magic and monsters are as scary, and normal, as human nature.
This is especially genius in this book with multiple povs from different ages, genders, occupations, and upbringings.
Draoidh was generally spat as an insult, rarely welcoming. He understood the fear. People weren't comfortable with someone who could do things they couldn't. He only wore the armour when he knew it might be necessary. He couldn't remember the last day he'd gone without it.
THAT END. Wow. Incredible.
I would recommend this if you liked the Traitors Blade by Sebastian DeCastell or the Riyria Revelations by Michael J. Sullivan.
Thank you to Orbit for providing a physical arc in exchange for a review!