The Acrid Sky

by Brady J. Sadler

A high fantasy tale of dark storms, dire prophecies, and epic adventure...

Anika Lawson was just a sixteen-year-old tanner living a simple life in Blakehurst until she receives a mysterious stone on her birthday. When her adoptive father is taken captive by an incarnate seeking that stone, Anika and her brother Gage set out on a perilous adventure to save not only their family, but the entire realm.

Meanwhile, in the northern city of Rathen, a cursed storm threatens all of Vale. Errant priest Avrim Kaust is determined to uncover the truth behind the storm and soon finds himself and his dwarf bodyguard, Deina Brasson, drawn into Anika's plight. Despite their differences, Anika and her new companions must find common ground against an apocalyptic foe above—the raging fury of the imprisoned storm god breaking his bonds.

The Acrid Sky is a dark and thrilling tale that will transport readers to a classic fantasy world filled with adventure, intrigue, and tragedy, perfect for fans of R.A. Salvatore, George R.R. Martin, Steven Erikson, Michael J. Sullivan, and Brandon Sanderson.

Genres: Fantasy

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2023

About the author

Brady J. Sadler is a drummer, board game designer, and occasional author. He lives in Indiana with his wife, two children, and usually one too many cats. You can keep up with him at www.bradyjsadler.com.

Reviews

[Lee Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall I really enjoyed this. It is not quite so "grim" but there are also consequences and people may die, so it has its own feeling. There are some interesting romantic and other relationships. There is certainly a lot going on and the book covers a relatively short time period (with some views from the past), but Sadler is able to hold it together. There are at least 5-6 groups with their own PoV and goals, which do sometimes overlap. So it can be overwhelming at first, but you do start getting a feel for the characters.
While it clearly leads into (future) book 2, it does at least have some resolution.
I like that even though there is Light and Shadow, it is still very unclear who the "good guys" may be and what peoples actual motivations are. There are some sex scenes though they cut away before getting graphic. CW: There is a magical mind-control rape.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read that pulls you into the world quickly. Action packed fights keep bringing you back for more. I couldn’t put it down!

[Orson Teller · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first impression of The Acrid Sky was that the author appears to be a genuine fan of the fantasy genre. The first thirty pages alone contain various popular fantasy tropes, many of which are presented with a fresh take; mysterious lore-building prologue, initial chapters following young characters in a provincial town, a looming threat, and so on. The story unfolds at a good pace, switching between various POV characters, and keeps the reader interested throughout.

The prose is technically proficient, though it meanders sometimes between Tolkien-esque poetic grandeur and modern everyday speak, which can be jarring at times. This was especially evident during the prologue, in which the reader is very much dropped straight into an existing narrative and given the task of getting on board quickly - or becoming lost! I would've preferred to have not been bombarded with names and places so early on. As a veteran fantasy reader, I got through it, but amateurs may find it a bit off-putting.

Very much a first instalment in a larger series. I hope book two is currently being cooked up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

This reads like a game, which it will soon be. The writers are game designers and not authors and it shows.

Maybe rated a good attempt but it feels like just abetting a scene for a game and apparently that is what it was for as a kickstarter is currently being made for a game of this world. I hope they put more effort into the game than they did the book.

Much better fantasy out there. Skip this

[J.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A FUN read for sure. Everything I wanted given the artwork on the cover and back. Great debut novel from Sadler and will instabuy book two when it's published!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! I'm really excited to see where this series goes. I can't wait until The Withered Roots is released to be welcomed back into this world.

[Elliot · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confusing and tedious. DNF.

[Jonathan Terrington]

I won't add a rating for this book as I had several issues with the 'telling' style that was used and found the story did not really work for me.

[Jonathan Chatam · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an ambitious kickoff to a grand adventure.

I thought the author excelled at the action sequences in this story.

There are a lot of characters and motivations that are introduced but juggled masterfully and converge in exciting and sometimes shocking ways.

The world is treated with care and the locations are brought to life and given a place in this world.

I'm very excited to continue the adventure in Book 2 soon!