This new series begins a century after the events of The Sword of Light Trilogy. So far, you can easily listen to the story without reading/listening to the first trilogy, but I highly recommend it for it’s own sake.
This book actually starts at the end of the war the Tsar has waged to rule the three Nations. Devon, descendent of Alan from the first trilogy, has fought ruthlessly for the Tsar, but the guilt he carries forces him to walk away from a promotion; one that a comrade and Magicker, Quinn, desperately desired.
Present day brings us to the rule of the Tsar, where Magick is outlawed, and Magickers must turn themselves in for training or death. Anyone harboring a Magicker will be put to death. Which brings us to two more of our MCs, Alana and Braden, siblings on the run because Braden’s Magick appeared on his birthday. They are running for their lives from Quinn, now the lead of the Tsar’s Trackers; a formidable group of soldiers and Magickers who hunt down any wild Magickers.
Meanwhile, Devon visits his friend and former comrade, Killian, at his inn, where he runs into a bit of trouble. On his way home, he is approached by a young girl who asks for his help, but he sends her on her way. After a whirlwind of events, however, Devon, Killian, and the siblings end up traveling together and facing deception and danger.
This is the beginning of an epic fantasy series, I’m sure. It is filled with magic and mystery, a dangerous chase to reach safety before being caught, and surprises in interesting places. Along the way, our MCs meet Tilly, an ancient priest, who is more than what she seems. For those of us who are familiar with the previous story, her revelation will mean a lot more. And then there’s the Tsar himself. Who is he really? Why is it so imperative that Alana not reach the Northlands? What does the big reveal at the finale of the story mean for the future of our heroes? I guess I will have to get the next in the series and find out.
The narrator did a great job with the narration. The character differentiation could have been a bit more clear, but otherwise, I thought he did a good job.
* I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am leaving my honest review. *