The Council of Athyzia

The Athyziad #1

by D.H. Hoskins

The Osseomancer is finally vanquished, but the work has only just begun.

For a quarter-century, the dark wizard and his undead hordes raged across Jenor, leaving all in terror. Only the combined forces of men, dwarves, and elves, united by their desperation, were able to defeat him and his horrific magic.

Now, the world is battered and broken. Much needs to be rebuilt. And without a common foe, how long can all remain united?

Hoping to maintain such unity, the mage Snorri and his aide Nauveena invite all to a council at the magic academy Athyzia. Nauveena expects such a council to be easy, especially compared to years of war. But soon enough, she learns that politics are more difficult than magic… and more dangerous.

Nauveena assists Snorri in presiding over the council, but soon finds herself bartering votes and forging alliances to protect an already-fragile world. How the council votes will reshape everything, and possibly not for the better...

The Council of Athyzia weaves together some of the most beloved tropes of fantasy — wizards and witches, elves and dwarves, magic and war, good and evil — into an exciting new context familiar to modern readers and fans of political dramas and history. Here, a debate is as exciting as a sword fight, and a vote is as tense as a pitched battle.

Genres: Fantasy, Ebooks

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2024

About the author

D.H. Hoskins is the author of The Council of Athyzia and The Sorceress in Exile.

He probably spends too much time thinking about maps of places that do not exist. When he is not writing, he enjoys playing basketball, drinking Mai Tais, playing boardgames, hiking, and hanging with his dog. He lives outside Boston with his wife and their French Bulldog, Rufus.

To keep up with future releases, follow him on instagram @d_h_hoskins or check out his website www.dhhoskins.com.

Reviews

[Esmay Rosalyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally published on Grimdark Magazine

In The Council of Athyzia, D.H. Hoskins spins a high fantasy tale full of conspiracies, schemes, and brutal back stabbings and betrayals that rivals even A Song of Ice and Fire’s level of complex political drama. Here, treacherous tongues are wielded like weapons, and words soon prove more dangerous and deadly than any magical battle could ever be.

Starting where most fantasy books end, The Council of Athyzia explores what would happen to a world when the dark lord has finally been defeated after 25 years of terror. Imagine a true historic peace conference like Vienna or Paris, except here we have elves, dwarves, creatures and different factions of humans coming together to forge a new path forward; can they set aside their personal goals to maintain peace and unity without a common enemy, or will tensions explode and history repeat itself?

As someone who can get quite daunted by complex political fantasy narratives, I went into The Council of Athyzia equally curious and nervous. Now, there’s no denying that the first couple of chapters may feel a bit overwhelming with the rapid introduction of the council, but I think Hoskins does a surprisingly impressive job of establishing all the key players on the field and setting up the stakes. While some minor characters remained little more than names and titles to me, the key players really came to life and pulled me in with their fascinating complexity.

See, while there are a lot of moving pieces in The Council of Athyzia, I personally found the intimate scope of the storytelling to be a very great grounding force. Not only was Athyzia, with its ancient library and lavish rooms, a very charming and immersive setting to me, but I also just loved exploring it all through Nauveena’s eyes. With her sharp mind and tender heart, she quickly proved to be a very compelling and strong female protagonist, and I loved how she was allowed to be so realistically messy and flawed in trying to deal with all the increasingly challenging trials and tribulations that she is faced with.

Moreover, I really enjoyed the complex interpersonal relationships that lie at the heart of The Council of Athyzia, be they friendly or hostile. Especially Nauveena’s wholesome dynamic with her mentor Snorri (who is the head of the Council) and her unexpected friendship with the enigmatic witch Venefica really pulled me in on an emotional level, which only increased my personal investment, for better or worse (ouch, my poor heart!). And don’t get me started on Fallou and his schemes, that’s what I call a deliciously hateable yet somehow weirdly understandable antagonist.

Hoskins is honestly a masterful storyteller, and I really loved how his writing reminded me of my older favourite Tolkien-esque fantasy stories, except with a lot better female characters and without it feeling tired or uninspired. I especially enjoyed how the first half of The Council of Athyzia almost has a bit of a cozy and nostalgic vibe to it, and I found it quite amusing how the characters themselves even gave signs of being bored out of their minds during the tedious first council meetings. But then around the halfway mark, there is a big shocking turning point in the narrative and the ominously elusive dream/prophecy magic becomes a bigger focus, after which it just gets more and more intense with each turn of the page.

Though the focus of this story might be small, this world is just drenched in epicness (yes, here there be dragons!) and offers an impressive level of depth and nuance to its history and lore. I loved learning about the complicated conflicts between all the different races/factions through organic and dangerously charged conversations, and I found it terrifyingly fascinating to see characters jumping all around the spectrum of morality to suit their own needs. While I personally would have liked to see a bit more culture clashing or language barriers, I honestly think Hoskins did a magnificent job of bringing these diverse characters to life, and I deeply appreciated the authentic exploration of sensitive themes like racism, corruption, narcissism, morality, religious strife, cultism, and othering.

Even if you are the type of reader who, like me, couldn’t stop yawning during the Council of Elrond in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, I would dare to say that Hoskins can make you fall in love with all the political power plays and riveting debates. So for all those who love classic fantasy but want things a bit darker, with more dire consequences, and a lot more nuance to the traditional good vs. evil narrative, then I can’t recommend The Council of Athyzia highly enough; this book truly has zero business being this addictive, and you better bet I am jumping into the next instalment in this exceptional trilogy the moment it releases.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author gave me a copy of the audio version of this so I can give the audio and the narrator and the story of course!
, that are an awesome job to realize never try to read a book thoroughly. You’re stuck reading it out of your phone. Most I lost a little bit in translation because of that. But this narrator brought a lot of things to light which is also great. That’s why I won’t read more from him until I is physical book. I guess I’m very old-school, so with the audio, I raise half a star more. 4.5 🌟 stars

Council of Athyzia

From the Ashe’s of conflict, arrives diplomacy and the Council is determined to get it right!!
I have been in various convo with DH the author I think DH stands for Dedicated Historian maybe??? on Instagram and he is quite the historical fiction buff , like the Paris Treaties and a book he recommended to me to read “The guns of August” with also a huge admiration for Maps!

We have a huge cast on this one, a variety of races and magic!

It’s a slow burn in the beginning, I say the first 40 % then web un ravels from there, twist and turns to the end and what an END!!!!!

But, I do admit it was very interesting, DH is very detailed oriented, his world, the building, the Library of Esotericism. description and the chess game that wasn’t finished on the board, was my all time favorite!!

The members of the Great Alliance had arrived one after the other. That had such a Tolkeinesque vibe to it!!

The Great Alliance could not be dissolved. Not yet. Their primary goal — the Osseomancer’s defeat — had been achieved.

Then you have
Witch Venefica. “They called her the Witch of Pravulum.” Indeed, Venefica had been one of the Osseomancer’s chief servants. She had given aid to him and done his bidding. Witch magic often worked bordering on Superstition!

Fallou the one guy I would keep my 👀 on he wears a golden chain over his robe, signifying his position as First Protector.


Nauveena, ( she reminded me of Pug from the rift wars) with bronze skin and dark hair,her dress of purple damask, embroidered with silver stars and moons. hanging bell sleeves fabric dangling to the ground. She had put on every piece of jewelry she owned; not much, but enough for decorum.



Athyzia …I just couldn’t get the pronunciation right, so I reached to DH before he openly put it on Instagram and when he pronounced it reminded me of the Song Aquarius from the Broadway show HAIR. You can actually sing it without a hitch!!
Substitute Athyzia for Aquarius!

Also, singing dream warriors from Dokken
I won’t say no more than just get the book and read it!!
I give the book Four ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’s
If you mash up 1776 with West Wing , withs sprinkle of classic fantasy you would have The Council of Athyzia

[Graham | The Wulvers Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Council of Athyzia by DH Hoskins is a political fantasy that I never expected to be invested in, but has changed my view on those types of stories. This is a brilliantly crafted, unique story about the council of Athyzia working to forge a path together after years of brutal war.

I really enjoyed how Hoskins was able to build such deep lore through conversation. Each dynamic was carefully written so that we knew exactly where they were from and more about their history. This was a creative way of showing how diverse this world is. I was hooked in finding out parts of information this way which is different what I normally read but just as engrossing.

The themes that Hoskins has written here are complex. We see fragile nations, people trying to work together who would never do so. Having a POV character trying to work these out and witness this happening, mirroring us as the reader, was remarkable and I'm thoroughly impressed with how this played out. I couldn't help but imagine them sitting round a table, like we see in media, and discussing these.

This was an entertaining read and something out of my comfort zone that really challenged my own reading habits. Hoskins novel should be on your radar.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a long and slow introduction to the council, the different members and their territories and all their differences, it suddenly picks up with conspiracies, attacks and a lot of scheming. Even though the introduction was a good chunk of the book, it did not feel too long. The writing is really nice, but be ready to focus as there are a lot of characters, territories and politics. Also, what was that ending ??? I absolutely recommend it if politics is your thing, you'll be delighted with all the mind games !

[Abel Montero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on SFFINSIDERS.COM

Full video review of this book and many more on my Booktube Channel BOOKSWITHABEL

"The Council of Athyzia" by D.H. Hoskins, is a high fantasy story with an interesting setting and concept. I'd say it's primarily a political fantasy, mainly because the story starts where most other stories usually end: after the big battle with the really bad guy. It's a subversion of the typical fantasy trope, where the real challenge isn't defeating the dark lord, but what comes after. It explores the complexities of building a lasting peace in a world scarred by conflict.

The real story of this series begins as all the nations, species, and cultures of this world have to work together to maintain peace and good relationships. The narrative unfolds mostly from the point of view of a woman tasked with staying in the city of Athyzia, a kind of cultural hub for scholars and the like. The world-building centers around this city, which serves as the venue for all the meetings and political maneuvering of this council. Athyzia itself becomes a character, a melting pot of ideologies, traditions, and ancient grudges, where the fate of the world is debated and decided.

A World After the War

The author dedicates a large chunk of the introductory part of the story to describing the arrival of all these different species and races. We see elves, dwarves, and other groups coming in from all over the world—or, well, not all of them, exactly; some decide to send representatives. This isn't just a simple gathering; it's a carefully orchestrated display of power, diplomacy, and reluctant cooperation. Each delegation's arrival is fraught with its own set of protocols, expectations, and hidden agendas. You have the first point of view, and then you meet her mentor, who's the one who actually set up this council and is trying to get all these people to work together.

It's a bit of a slow burn, especially at the beginning, because a significant amount of page count is dedicated to describing all these cultures and the representatives, who also have their own personal relationships, affairs, and grievances. The weight of past conflicts and the uncertainty of the future hang heavy in the air.

The Delicate Balance of Power

You see that the elves are all highbrow; they don't really like anyone and prefer to keep to themselves, viewing themselves as superior and holding onto ancient traditions that set them apart. But they've grudgingly decided to collaborate with everyone else, recognizing the necessity of unity, however distasteful, for the greater good. Then you have the dwarves, who have their own grievances and issues with other kingdoms. Centuries of territorial disputes, economic competition, and cultural misunderstandings have created deep-seated animosity. And then you have humans—regular humans—who have other problems. So, you have regular people, and then you have people with supernatural abilities, and cultures and ways of life that really clash with other cultures. It was a miracle that all of these people were able to work together to defeat the Big Bad Guy. It was incredible that they were able to put aside their differences and all the other struggles they had, these larger political conflicts, to win that world. It's implied in the story that if they had done this sooner, that final war might have been entirely avoided, that he used those conflicts to become stronger. The enemy, in this context, isn't just a generic evil overlord; he's a product of this world's divisions, a manifestation of its inability to unite. It's also heavily implied that this was the last of many wars between all these nations, a cycle of violence that has plagued the land for generations.

The Council Begins

So, they were eventually able to do it, but when the council actually starts, it's really difficult for them to stomach the mere presence of all the others. The air crackles with tension, suspicion, and barely concealed hostility. It's really interesting, but it's also pretty slow. The introductory part—I'd say about 30% of the book—is dedicated to all this, and it's very dialogue-heavy. These aren't just dry political debates; they're passionate, often heated exchanges filled with veiled threats, subtle insults, and the weight of history. You have to properly listen—or rather, read (I say "listen" because sometimes I use Alexa to read books aloud for me). You have to pay close attention to the relationships between all these species and races because if you don't understand those, you'll understand very little of the rest of the story. The nuances of their interactions, the unspoken power dynamics, and the long-simmering resentments are crucial to understanding the challenges they face.

A Slow Burn of Political Intrigue

So, it's a bit of a slow burn, and it's a political story, 100% based on that. The world-building is layered, and the larger conflict is really interesting, but it takes a while for the story to unwind, develop, spread its wings, and actually take flight. The author meticulously constructs this intricate web of alliances and rivalries, revealing the deep-seated historical and cultural factors that shape these interactions. You'd be justified in saying, "This is too much; this is almost boring. I understand very little of it, and I want to get to the meaty part of the story." But it is rewarding if you wait and get to, let's say, the second half of the story. It doesn't change drastically; it never becomes this bombastic action piece because I don't think that's what the author was going for. The focus remains on the intricate dance of diplomacy, the subtle shifts in power, and the constant threat of renewed conflict.

Themes and Reflections

The themes that are developed during the discussions between these species and kingdoms are really interesting. In a way, you can easily see parallels with our own world, with our modern or even recent history. Even if the story isn't heavy-handed, and the author isn't trying to shove any kind of message down your throat, there are some really poignant reflections about the politics of our world and about how the many cultures we have interact, struggle, strive for peace, and try to collaborate. The Council of Athyzia, in all its flawed glory, mirrors the complexities of international relations, the challenges of bridging cultural divides, and the enduring quest for common ground. Many of the themes and things that the book discusses when talking about these species are relevant for us today. It's a good thing that they're discussed in a book because it's a nice way to frame some really interesting conflicts in a safe way. It gives us the ability to reflect on those things from a safe perspective, inside a story that's supposed to be, you know, "for fun."

A Unique Political Drama

But it is for fun, and it's not only for fun. I like the way the author did something really unique here. This isn't your typical fantasy quest or epic battle; it's a deep dive into the art of negotiation, the power of words, and the fragility of peace. I've never heard or read anything quite like this. So yes, I absolutely suggest giving it a try. Give it a fair chance, and try to get to the 50% mark of the book to understand if it works for you. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work, but if you pass that threshold, you'll see the story becoming much smoother. The initial investment in understanding the world and its players pays off in the latter half, as the political machinations become more intricate and the stakes become increasingly higher.

Emotional Core

I will say that I would have loved to have more of an emotional core at the beginning of the story, something to anchor the readers in an easier way, to make us care about the protagonist right from the start. The protagonist's initial detachment, while perhaps intentional, can make it difficult to immediately connect with her struggles and motivations. Because you feel a kind of detachment from her point of view, and you wait a good chunk of the story to become more fond of her. It takes a while to understand what's going on with her present drive, with her past, and her relationship with the rest of the story. I would have loved to have better, deeper character work right at the beginning, to help us connect with the story faster. A stronger emotional hook early on could have heightened the sense of urgency and made the reader more invested in the outcome of the council's deliberations. Because there's a lot going on, a lot of talking, a lot of politicking, a lot of scheming, and a lot of betrayal. If you don't have a strong emotional core there, you can easily lose interest in all that. The sheer volume of information and the complexity of the political landscape can be overwhelming without a compelling emotional anchor.

In the end …

And that would be a shame because the world-building is so interesting, and the political conflict is so complex and so worthwhile. The author has created a rich and nuanced world, filled with fascinating cultures, intricate histories, and compelling conflicts. So, I would have loved a stronger emotional connection at the beginning, but alas, the story is compelling in and of itself. As I told you, it is unique, and it is well-developed, especially the second part, that it's worth the risk of finding yourself, for a good chunk of the book (even if the book isn't really that long), asking yourself, "What are we doing? Why are we dwelling on all this politicking? Where is the actual story starting?" It is worth your time, so give it a try!

[Christina Pilkington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Osseomancer has been defeated, and now the elves, dwarves, men, and mages who vanquished the dark wizard have come together once again to rebuild Jenor.

Invited by Snorri, head of the magic academy in Athyzia, representatives from all kingdoms and lands of Jenor travel to Athyzia to participate in the first council. Snorri, along with his aide Nauveena, anticipate everyone working together in unity. But the secret alliances, bartering for votes and insider politics will be the opposite of unifying.

The Council of Athyzia is reminiscent of classical fantasy, but instead of battles and sword fighting, it weaves together the fantastical with history and politics.

This is one of the most intricate and well-thought out political fantasies I have ever read! Instead of political infighting within families, we see close up what happens behind closed doors within government, how laws and politics are written and enacted, and all the backdoor dealings and schemings that take place.

I was surprised at how riveted I was to the page, especially as a large part of the narrative is focused on council meetings and private discussions between individuals. But the verbal sparing of ideas, the manipulation and cohesion taking place between kingdoms vying for votes, and the formation of alliances left me fascinated and flipping the pages as fast I could!

Little action doesn’t mean zero action, especially in the final third of the novel. There were some amazingly tense, thrilling, and heart-pounding scenes! But most of what makes this book o special is the smart way the author shows how real world politics work.

The council tackles such issues as: how should various kingdoms be represented, will all forms of magic be accepted or should some be banned? import/export regulations, economic issues, treatment and equality among the various magical beings as well as the common folk.

The Council of Athyzia is an impressive debut, and I highly recommend it! It’s one of my favorite fantasy reads of the year, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

Thank you to the author for the digital arc! All opinions are my own.

[Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Starts

The Council of Athyzia is a brilliant debut political fantasy novel from D. H. Hoskins. This book starts where most epic fantasy novels end: The villain was defeated at great cost by an unlikely but necessary alliance from all the different countries and races. Now, they sit in a council where they decide on how to go from there. Only, “Politics are more dangerous than magic…” and when all is set and done, and the villain has been defeated, greed and hidden agendas come to play.

This story starts off very slow paced and revolves around political intrigue, about which each of the different group wants. And they all have different points of view: The Elves, the Dwarves, the different kingdoms and the Order all want different things and bring new perspectives and discussions to this council. Hoskins was able to build such deep lore through conversation. Each dynamic solidifies the different characters, their point of view and their history. We had such a diverse set of characters, but they were all incredibly complex and well developed.

It felt riveting to actually start where most stories end and it definitely gave me a new perspective and made me go out of my comfort zone.

If you like political intrigue, Hoskins novel takes it to a hole new level and it should definitely be on your radar.

Thank you so much to D. H. Hoskins for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lilith Mühlberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most high fantasy stories tell you the story of the central conflict, the villain, the heroes and their journey – the end. "The Council of Athyzia" however starts right after the end of that classic main conflict. The war against the Osseomancer has been won and now, all the parties involved in helping the world survive and win have been brought together by the great mage Snorri to establish a council with the purpose of helping the different nations and races continue being united in rebuilding the world.

In other words, at the core of this book, you'll find post-war politics and intrigue, which highlights both the differences and similarities between the members of the council – mages, sorcerers, witches, elves, humans, dwarves and so on. There are discussions that range from the economical to (essentially) the religious and everything in-between. And while some of it is dry, even for the council members themselves, others take them and the reader straight into backroom deals for votes.

While the beginning of the book dumps the reader right in the middle of a bunch of names and kingdoms and can therefore make you need to take a bit of time to just orient yourself in the world of Jenor, I felt like the rest of the story flowed quite nicely. The council's sessions and the topics involved act as a huge part of the worldbuilding as they help illustrate the world and its issues as well as where all the different characters stand and what their values are.

But despite the heavy focus on debates, discussions and conversations, there is still some action to be found here as well, though I'll refrain from spoiling when and where.

The intrigue really pulled me in and though I could see where the overall story was heading the further along I got, the more I was invested in the how and why everything would happen. And now I'm really excited for the release of the second book to see what happens next and where it will take our main characters.

I had a great time with this book and if you're also the type of reader who enjoys political intrigue, scheming, backroom deals all set in a fantasy setting, then I highly recommend picking this up!

[Karin (book_scent) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC!

[Catie Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review!
This political fantasy takes place right after the events of a war. I liked this unique aspect, as we get to see a different side to the typical fantasy storyline. The story is told from the POV of Nauveena, who is the apprentice to the mage Snorri. Snorri is responsible for assembling a council of leaders to help rebuild and restructure after the destruction caused by the Osseomancer.
The political aspect of this book was a little too much for me personally, but I did thoroughly enjoy Nauveena’s perspective on things being on the outside of the politics. I felt like I was trying to figure it all out right alongside her. Fans of political fantasy would definitely eat this up.
I really loved the variations of magic/magical abilities! The action and intrigue definitely ramps up gradually, and does a great job at keeping you on your toes!

[Lindsey_reads_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a unique and refreshing read for me, and I loved every part of it! That last chapter had me stunned. I am so wrapped up into the political drama of this council of this world. What is going to happen to Nauveena and Athyzia? What was your inspiration for this book?

Evil has been defeated, and the world is entering a new age of healing. The Council of Athyzai is created to help bring order to a fragile world. Then the politics come into play, and I was sucked into it. I enjoyed the world building and the game of chest the characters played throughout the story. It had such a unique feel to it, the whole setting is at the magic academy Athyzia, and the POV is one mage who starts as an assistant or apprentice but rises in power over the council. The end had me questioning who the real evil was! This book just came out on Friday, and if you enjoy fantasy, lore, mages, magic, and high stake politics, check it out on Kindle Unlimited.

I am definitely the right reader for this book. It felt like I was in one of my favorite worlds, Warcraft. I love the lore and politics of that world. So it was so easy for me to enjoy this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you @d_h_hoskins for the ARC. I am looking forward to book 2.

High Fantasy
Magic Library
Secret Books
Political Intrigued
After the Dark Lord
Witches and Sorcerers
Dwarves and Elves
Anti Magic Cult
Plot Twist

[D.H. Hoskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I review my own book? Goodreads is letting me, so I guess so.

I love this book... but of course, I wrote it. I will always look at this book with love. I have always enjoyed writing, but I really think I took a step forward as a writer with this book, both in terms of pacing and voice, and I will love the time I spent on it and grew.

But beyond that, even if I hadn't written this book, and it had somehow come to me from on high, I think I would still love it. It's like it is tailor made for me (wild right?). It has everything I love: elves, dwarves, magic, political debates, an absentminded mentor character, a dragon (off page for now), libraries, mystery, plot twists. The main character loves to read.

So I love this book, and I hope you love it too. I am excited to finally share it with the world.

[Trex Chapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first reaction shall be 🤯.
Followed by a very strong 😤.
And it shall end with a round of 👏🏻.

D.H. Hoskins’ world of Jenor has taken me into a world recovering from a devastating war. Naturally I thought it would lead me to adventures and quests and journeys someplace yonder but I was not prepared for the political tour de force that is this novel! It isn’t an adventure or action novel (at least not in the traditional sense) but it left me at the edge of my seat the entire time! Truly marvelous!!

Kudos to you, Mr Hoskins! cannot wait for the next installment!!

Would definitely recommend this book!

[Zammar Ahmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens after the war is won?

The premise of this story is enticing, but also uniquely challenging. D.H. Hoskins went in with the goal of mimicking historic peace conferences such as Paris or Vienna, and showing the resulting political machinations in a classic high fantasy setting.

I think it's really ambitious to write a book with this premise. Usually the great conflict is what makes us care about the characters, plot, and world. But in this case, the conflict has already happened, and we have little reason to care about its outcome.

Or so I thought. It turns out peace is a tenuous thing, and it has plenty of in-built conflict. As the council assembles, we are quickly introduced to an expansive world with myriad political problems that had been shunted temporarily under a carpet are now quickly bubbling back up to the surface.

The author reminds us quickly enough that small interactions between people can really connect us to a story. Nauveena carries this book for me. I found her very endearing and easy to connect with. A fellow, good-hearted bookworm trying her best to do what's right. It's a great POV choice, and I ended up caring about the council because I cared about her. One of my favourite facets of this book was seeing her develop a friendship with another (unnamed because spoilers) character.

I will admit the first ~15% of this story was hard to get into. This is a by-product of the challenge I mentioned above. The conflict is over and now all these people are coming to the council and we have to meet them. There are a lot of names and it was a tad overwhelming.

But I focused on our main character and her concerns, and I soon figured out everything I needed to know. The story really picked up with some wild twists around the halfway mark, and the ending threw me for a loop that leaves me very excited for book 2.

D.H. Hoskins has written this book with a lot of love and care. I think it's an excellent debut, and a great read for any lover of political fantasy.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of the eBook for this book.
I will try to keep this spoiler free, but there may be some minor spoilers of overarching themes. Read on at your discretion.

The Council of Athyzia is a debut political fantasy novel from D. H. Hoskins. It is heavy on the politics and bureaucracy, set in a post-war world where the various regions have come together to try and strengthen their bond, their Great Aliance, after defeating an extremely strong adversary and his army. An idealistic mage, Snorri, has grand ambitions of a great council that can come together to discuss major issues facing Jenor, and as an idealist has a somewhat naive view that this could be done without any sort of backroom dealings. Much like politics in our world, that is not the case.

This story is filled with great political intrigue - what motivates the different groups and regions? What is most important to the Elves? The Dwarves? The Order? All of this unfolds as the Council discusses at great length what should even be discussed and voted upon. In the mean time we also get some great character development as deep relationships, positive and negative, are formed among the Council members.

It'd be hard to talk about more without spoilers - especially as it relates to the ending, but suffice to say that I would love to read another tale of what happens after these events end. This story is engaging and captivating, and despite some slower portions in the middle (which may just mimic the pace of politics!) I found it to be a page turner that kept drawing me back in. Definitely check this out, especially if you want something that leans heavily on the politics as it relates to a world of high fantasy magic.

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a slow start, but that is to be expected. It takes place post war with the Osseomancer (extremelove you powerful sorcerer). The alliance that banded together against the osseomancer is now coming together to rebuild their world. There hope, intrigue,, mystery, & secrets. I usually don’t read political type books because I hate politics, and all the arguing over everything, but I do understand that it can be for a common good when everybody’s able to work together. Just at the right moment is when the author turns everything on its head, and so many things happen one right after the other. It definitely kept me interested and now I want to know what happens in this new world that they were trying to rebuild. this is a great fantasy book for those who, like to read more about logistics, I would recommend this.

Update: yes!! 100 times yes!! The audiobook is amazing! It was definitely easier to follow characters and get into the politics. So intricate and twisty. I was so drawn into the audio that when it was finishing I cried cause book 2 isn’t in audio yet. But you can bet when it does come out I will get it!! Kerie Darner is perfect narrator for this book! Her performance is stellar and I hope she does book 2!

[Heather - Just Geeking By · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Just Geeking by.

Content warnings:
This book contains scenes of death, war, violence, blood, gore, stalking, drugs, alcohol, smoking, gaslighting, mistreatment and prejudice of a fictional race (elves), prejudice, discrimination, oppression, radicalization, tyranny, military threats, extortion, witch burnings (off page), torture (off page), witch hunting, fearmongering, slurs (for fictional races), lynching, and the control of knowledge.

There is a reference to rumours of blood rituals involving young girls being sexually assaulted, and the organs of babies being eaten, however, nothing graphic happens in the book. It is just someone relaying rumours.

This book is set after a brutal twenty-five war and while the war happened off page, details about it are discussed on page. These include; undead armies raised from the dead, blighted land and crops, mass death, death of loved ones, controlling people by magic, and blood-letting.

A land divided, Jenor was ripe for The Osseomancer and his armies. He took full advantage of the divisions between men, elves and dwarves, catching them off guard for over twenty years until they worked together to banish him. Even though his reign of terror has ended, the impact of the war has been felt wide and far. There’s much to rebuild, physically and figuratively.

Snorri, one of the mages of Athyzia, the Academy of Mages, fought in the war alongside men, elves and dwarves from their various kingdoms. He saw first-hand what was achieved by working together and saw what great things could continue to be achieved after the war. With the help of his former apprentice, Nauveena he drew up a plan for a Council, the first of its kind.

Invites were sent out, discussions were had, and Snorri made his case to those unsure about the idea. Some declined the invite, some didn’t answer at all, but many did, and the Council’s first day soon arrived. Excited to tell everyone his full plans, Snorri’s good mood is instantly derailed by a complaint from one group, leading him to make a hasty allowance as an apology.

As the Council starts to make an agenda of topics, Nauveena starts to realise that while her mentor has good intentions, some of those intentions are naive. There was also a lot more happening in Jenor that they weren’t aware of when they planned the Council, which would have affected much of their planning. Struggling to play catch up, Nauveena finds an unlikely friend as she realises that she faces a battle as difficult as protecting Athyzia from the Osseomancer’s armies.

The Council of Athyzia by D.H. Hoskins is a very different beast of a book than I’ve read before, and I’m delighted that I accepted the opportunity to read it, as it’s brilliant! I’ve seen a few fantasy books use the setting of post-war now, which intrigues me a lot. It’s such a rich environment for writing and character development, and this is what Hoskins develops spectacularly throughout the book.

At the start of the book is a list of ‘Attendance’, detailing all the attendees and the people they represent. Normally I skim through lists like these and don’t pay them much attention; names mean little to me without the details the story provides me. However, for the first time, I was drawn to such a list. What made this one interesting to me was how much thought Hoskins had put into each group and their titles. Rather than the usual fare of Kings/Queens, Dukes, Leaders, Emperors/Emperesses etc., there was a wide range of titles listed. There are, of course, Lords and Kings, but among them, a Poet, an Amasadoress, a treasurer, a Burgomaster and many more that caught my attention.

This gives you just a brief inkling of the diverse political setting of The Council of Athyzia. I’ve seen others call this a political fantasy, and I agree with that categorisation. However, do not let that put you off. There is plenty of action in this book, and while there are some stuffy discussions, they are still very interesting and included with tongue-in-cheek narration that they’re boring.

I liked that Hoskins didn’t avoid those topics, as it balances the book so well. He does a fantastic job of pacing the book, after all, much of it is about a group of sitting down and talking at length about politics. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t think of anything more dull, and yet I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Hoskins has perfectly captured the balance of including just enough of the Council’s discussion to show what is happening and summarising the rest through Nauveena’s narration to stop it from overwhelming the book.

Nauveena is a great narrator who offers vulnerability, suspicion and frustration. She was left behind to guard Athyzia during the war and therefore, does not know the attendees just like the reader. She is in the perfect position to be the narrator, introducing them and learning about them. Nauveena is young enough to be a little naive, but old enough to stand on her own two feet from her mentor, Snorri. This leads her to still seek out his advice while following her instincts and making alliances of her own.

It isn’t easy to have such a large cast of characters and make them all memorable, yet Hoskins manages to do just that. Every attendee of the Council has a unique personality and due to the nature of the plot we get to meet them all. While the overall plot of the book is the politics of the Council, be prepared for some extra surprises along the way!

The Council of Athyzia is a political fantasy that draws on traditional swords and sorcery fantasy and European history to bring an intriguing story of what happens after the evil has been vanquished. With a dash of mystery and plenty of unique world-building, this debut from D.H. Hoskins is not to be missed!

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[Iva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The Council of Athyzia is a solid political fantasy with lots of classical fantasy elements. The story begins at the end of a great war, wherein the Osseomancer, powerful and evil magic user, was defeated. His defeat was only possible once the previously divided kingdoms of elves, dwarves, and men, with various different magical affinities, came together to fight united. Now, in order to keep this unity and avoid future wars, Snorri, the high mage of the academy of Athyzia, has called the leaders of all these groups together to form a council to discuss their differences.

The story is seen through the perspective of Nauveena, Snorri's apprentice, as the council is created and begins. What follows is a barrage of political intrigue full of scheming, secret talks, and negotiations as factions form and begin competing for votes on different agendas in the council. Some of these agendas are simple but others are extremely important, tackling issues of racism, prejudice, and freedom. Alongside all of this political scheming, there is also a bit of mystery within Athyzia as some other events happen and the threat of the last battle lingers. I realize that sounds vague but its really something that is meant to come as a surprise to the reader so I don't want to say too much.

Overall, I enjoyed the Council of Athyzia and I thought it was a good start to a political fantasy series. There are lots of characters but they were all distinct so it was easy to follow them and understand their motivations. I also thought the writing was quite good, particularly for an indie book, and found that the dialogue and descriptions all flowed well. I did find a bit of the plot to be repetitive and unfortunately the twist at the end didn't really hit for me. The forshadowing of it with Venefica being warned she would be betrayed made it seem obvious to me and I was a bit frustrated for the characters for being taken by surprise. However, that was just me and other readers may react differently.

I would recommend this book to readers who like political fantasy or want to try it as well as for readers who enjoy classical fantasy.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author.

[Lukumatoteea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted an ARC for an honest review. 
Thank you D.H. Hoskins!

✨Political fantasy.
✨Set in a post-war world.
✨Variety of races.
✨Slow paced.
✨Classic fantasy.
✨Scheming.

What happens after a horrendous war, and how do you deal with the aftermath of it? What should they do next? How to unite everyone? How to resolve issues between different races? Who can you trust? Is everyone only after their own good? And how do we not have another war? 

I'm a big fan of political fantasy, so I was having a great time. I was so invested in the story and all the scheming. 

TCoA deals with some heavy issues. Not every race has the same rights. We see in this book how some of the members of the council are trying to fight against injustice, while others would rather just have the power and keep everyone under their laws.

The first two chapters were, for me, the weakest points of this book, but that is just because I have a really hard time remembering character names, and we are immediately introduced to all the members of the council. After that, we get lots of time to get to know them and their motives. 

I highly recommend this book for fans of political fantasy! 
If you usually find the political parts of your books boring, I wouldn't recommend this to you.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second half of the book made wading through the first half worth it. The midpoint turn was well done, I would have just liked it to have hit at the inciting event earlier in the plot progression. That said, I loved the unfolding of the plot in that second half. It was thought out and well done. I think readers of epic fantasy will really enjoy it.

The writing was very well done, ESPECIALLY for an indie author's debut novel. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series and have no doubt that this author will go far in the epic fantasy genre.

So why three stars? Because, for me, reading the first half of this book was akin to reading Crossroads of Twilight, a book which took me almost three YEARS to finish due to its boring and way too long prologue. Nothing much happens besides Aes Sedai level political scheming. If you love long discussions and little action or forward plot, then the first half is for you. I would have liked it better if we entered the book halfway through the council discussions or if we went through that sequence all at an accelerated pace.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your first thought when sitting down to read a new fantasy book is: I want to be immersed in the culture of this world, look no further than The Council of Athyzia. Hoskins' world building is unmatched. He develops a fully fleshed out universe with different cultures, geography, history, and magic systems in this gripping political intrigue fantasy novel. The first in an installation, The Council of Athyzia sets out to answer the ever present question of: "What happens once a war torn fantasy realm defeats the dark lord?"

The parallels between real world politics and religion are quite clear in this book. You'll be ripping your hair out screaming as your heroes' hands become tied by bureaucracy.

After a slow start, the story pulled me in, leaving me fully invested in the outcome of the several votes of the council. I cannot wait for the next installment.

[Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

D.H. Hoskins excels in world-building, creating a vivid realm filled with elves, dwarves, and intricate lore. The narrative's strength lies in its richly developed characters and the high-stakes political maneuvering that keeps readers on edge. Although the beginning of the novel is somewhat slow, it builds up in the best way, rewarding patient readers with a compelling and intricate plot. This book is a great read for fans of political fantasy, as it delves deeply into the plots and strategies that follow the elimination of The Osseomancer, offering a unique look at the process of rebuilding a world after the defeat of a great evil. The Council of Athyzia promises exciting developments in future installments, making it a must-read for genre enthusiasts.

[K.D. Marchesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for political fantasy fans!

What happens when the greatest threat has been defeated? When everyone must come together and decide the best course going forward. A repeat of the past isn’t an option, but once again the darkness stirs.

Utterly captivating and a fascinating look at what often happens behind the scenes in political fantasy. The players have come together, but sometimes, politics are more dangerous than the war itself.

A fantastic read, intricate and intriguing world building that makes you want to know everything about all groups discussed. I already can’t wait for more!

[Caro || readingtomyplants · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love fantasy books with lots of diverse and intriguing characters, political twists, and action and world-building, this one’s for you! The writing is fantastic and every part of this was well-thought out. Was it slow and confusing for the first quarter? Yes. It took a lot of concentration for me, but my reads are usually much simpler.

[Marie Grim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC from the Author in exchange for my honest review.

The Council of Athyzia is a dense political fantasy that focuses on what happens after the Dark Lord is vanquished. After the denizens of Jenor band together in a Great Alliance to fight against the Osseomancer, a great council is called by the mages of Athyzia - the center of magical learning and power - to settle outstanding issues and maintain the unity so displayed during the conflict. Snorri, the head of the council, and his apprentice Nauveena work to establish rules and find a way forward for all the differing points of view. It becomes quickly apparent that the Magic of Order and its practitioners have an ulterior agenda, as their leader Fallou begins maneuvering against the Elves and members of Nauveena’s faction, with the ultimate goal of restricting all magic but the Magic of Order, to the detriment of others.

This novel was a very slow burn, and I found myself getting a little bored by some of the machinations. The descriptions are very thorough, in some places too thorough, and it made it hard for me to focus on the beginning of the book. It picks up in the back 30% or so, with an intriguing mystery coming to the fore and some interesting back story/history of the previous war emerging. You can tell that this is inspired by Tolkien and his structures, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

I had a hard time with some of the sentence structuring, as the writing style tended towards choppy, but this is a personal preference. The movement and pacing is a little uneven, but it takes a lot of background information to get this story up and running, so that makes sense. The novel ends on some rather momentous plot twists that provide shock factor and tension.

If you enjoy detailed descriptions, Machiavelli level manipulating villains, and politicking, you will enjoy this book.

[Henry Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you read ‘The Council of Elrond’ in Fellowship of the Ring and think, ‘Gosh, I wish this was the entire book?’
D.H. Hoskins replied, ‘Hold my beer,’ and with, I’m sure, no small amount of effort, proceeded to grace us with an exceptional political fantasy debut.

"The Great Alliance could not be dissolved. Not yet. Their primary goal — the Osseomancer's defeat — had been achieved. But the world was not shattered and needed to be rebuilt. A new age was before them, a new chapter to be written. And they would write it together."

The Council of Athyzia is a very specific type of book, one that those who have delved deep into the heart of political fantasy will recognise. It is a fantasy of manners of sorts—where typical fantasy pits its characters against malevolent Dark Lords, or sees great wizards wield their magicks in impressive displays of sorcery, or culminates in epic battles of unfathomable scales, The Council of Athyzia posits an interesting question: just precisely what happens when all of that is said and done? While the Osseomancer may be defeated, there is still a ravaged world left behind to rebuild. Enter Snorri and Nauveena, two mages and scholars with a vision for a new world built on a foundation of peace. Their only obstacle is the council they assemble, composed of the various leaders of Jenor, as they work together to decide the rules and values of this new world. Peace is possible, if only they can all agree on how it should be achieved…

I’ll be honest—I am this book’s ideal reader. I adore political fantasy, and none more so than those that lean in to courtly intrigue and slice-of-life approaches to political drama. The magic of Athyzia lies in its character interactions, those layered and complex machinations as the council assembles and begins to form alliances and anticipate each other’s movements. Competing interests drive the engine of this book, pushing our main characters and their allies in creative and cunning directions. What I love the most, however, is the gentle undercurrent of environment and pace. This is not an action-packed page turner, but a subtle, day-by-day story that builds to some heavy-hitting climaxes. In fact, I personally believe this style of writing is but a variation of the much-beloved ‘cozy’ fantasy that has taken the world by storm recently, but without sacrificing the potential stakes of the plot. While different in tone and less dense in style, this book would perfectly suit those who adore The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison or the slow stylings of Tolkien. Classic fantasy is alive and well in Athyzia, and for that I am very grateful. I often found myself craving a rainy day and a hot cup of tea, if only to curl up with this story and drift away in its lofty ideals and hearty debate.

This feeling is bolstered by the novel’s clever and clean prose, which further layered beautifully on top of well-devised worldbuilding. The prose, plot, and world of this book achieve that magic where they distinctly build upon one another, the tone of the novel supporting its plot style and setting in congruent ways. While some may consider this narrative style overwrought in comparison to the contemporary style, I am not counted in their number. I was utterly charmed!

“Nauveena too had returned to her old routines. Once more, she walked with her graying mentor. She carried pen and parchment. She took notes. She could almost forget there had ever been a war at all. However, instead of Snorri’s lessons on incantations, they discussed the council and the council made it impossible to forget such things.”

As an interesting choice by Hoskins (one that draws to mind Helena from Richard Swan’s Empire of the Wolf trilogy), the primary point-of-view in this novel is Nauveena, the assistant to the wise convenor of the council. A studious and a powerful mage in her own right, it is quickly evident that she has much to learn of the ‘art of politics’. Her inexperience and relative naiveté made her a compelling character to follow as she attempts to navigate the unexpected intricacy of the council. While I did find the main character lacking for efficacy at times, I can see her as an imperfect character with room to grow, and so it did not impact my enjoyment whatsoever. Snorri, by contrast, is less so naive as much as he is optimistic and absent-minded. They compliment each other well, and I found their mentor-apprentice relationship very endearing, a relationship that truly forms the heart of the novel.

Another standout character for me was Fallou, a high-ranking official from the pervasive religion sect ‘Magic of Order’. Aggravating, conniving, and seemingly omnipresent in the minds and lives of Nauveena and her allies, Fallou is my favourite kind of villain—efficient, effective, and policy-driven. The main character’s focus on Fallou and his intentions shows magnificent use of presumption as a plot device, as they strive to outwit and outmanoeuvre a man whose sole purpose on the council is seemingly to divide it to achieve what he desires.

“Book are more than their parchment and ink. They are a magic unto themselves. Much can be learned of the time and place in which the text was written. They exist as manuals and artifacts and mirrors of ourselves.”

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the more potent elements of the story—its approach to thematic material. In the great mainstay tradition of classical fantasy, you could be forgiven for importing real life injustices into the framework of societal issues presented in the novel. However, it does not come off trite or insincere. Hoskins worked hard to ensure the story has real-life connotations on the nature of power and those who wield it at the expense of others, weaving it into his plot in ways that feel realistic and pertinent. Racial injustices, depriving indigenous people’s their homelands for the sake of another’s economic prosperity, the overwhelming power of organised religion and its ability to dictate morality—this but a selection of the thematic currents streaming through this novel. The council, as a setting, is a poignant landscape to discuss such topics, as these issues don’t get lost in the figurative or the esoteric, but live at the heart of lively debates and negotiations. They inform the decisions and opinions of the entire cast of characters, and ultimately define the book’s substantive plot.

So, what happens when all is said and done? I absolutely will not tell you because that ending? Damn.

Ultimately, this book is a compelling slice-of-life fantasy full of machinations and intrigue, powered by an endearing main character and a highly political setting. I loved this book and will be on the lookout for book 2!

Lastly, shout-out to Lucy Giller (@littlegemstudio)—this is a gorgeous cover. Kudos!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun and engaging read that sets the stage well for the next part of the series.

The story has a good balance of different regions and characters, but it’s not too complicated. You won’t need to keep checking maps, family trees, or pronunciation guides.

The characters’ motivations and the shifting alliances are believable, keeping readers hooked as the plot unfolds with its twists and turns. Everything makes sense by the end, and the foreshadowing connects nicely to the later reveals.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a captivating story about winning at policy-making by majority rule in a fantasy setting. You’ll feel like a companion to the heroine as the council members negotiate, betray, set traps, and compete in a battle of wits and leverage.









****I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. While I was provided with a copy, a review was never required, and all opinions are my own.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never read a book quite like this and I was unsure how I would like it - I enjoyed it very much.
This book starts where many fantasy stories end, with the defeat of the evil king. Now the weakend nations of the council have to rebuild and start anew. I liked the negotiations and council procedures. This story is so beautifully crafted, with great care. It reflects how hard it is to find a consensus and how betrayal is to be expected - like it is in our modern world.
It's a little slower paced stories but the tension keeps you engaged in the story. If you tought politics were boring, this book will change your mind.

The author kindly gifted me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[ThatReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

For starters, I have to give it to the author for the bravery of offering readers a fantasy novel that falls completely out of the box! This has undoubtedly been one of the most unique fantasy books I ever read. No quests with unwilling heroes who are ready to die for the sake of the world and change from idiots to enlightened gods by the end of the book, no adventurous tales of noblesse and fighting for the good, no battles, no sword fights, no gore, it was as unexpected as it was fresh, in theory. Because, imagine a fantasy version of a UN council meeting with all the scheming and plotting and exchanging of favours, all the backstabbing and the shady deals and the bullying that go on behind the curtains, all the intrigue and the conniving and the political manouvering of people as if pawns on a game board... and you have this novel.
Fresh and unique, in theory, but I had a bit of issue with the writing style, which was not quite my jam, as I found it far too expositional - there were moments when I felt like I was reading a report or a bullet point list in an outline for a novel. There was a lot of repetition and 'time wasted' with the same thing over and over, as well as with the introductions and the rehashing of the council's previous deliberations and discussions, while the end felt ultra-rushed. For me, the emotional investment was severely lacking due to the 'dryness' of the writing style and the one-dimensionality of most characters (Nauveena exempt, she was rather interesting, as well as Venefica, but the witch wasn't given enough depth in her character building, for me). The twists were foreseable and not quite unexpected, but I quite liked the manner in which a few apparently unimportant characters are disregarded by the protagonists because of their ingrained prejudice and this ends up spelling their downfall - I had quite the 'you deserved that' moment reading a certain part at the end, seeing that for me, it was so obvious what and who was going to ruin things for them.
Something else I had a lot of issue with - but this is a personal peeve of mine - was the world building where it comes to specific details, which to me make the difference between a good book and a great one. When I'm reading fantasy that is set in a world not our own I don't want to stumble upon a character eating a croissant, or gulping a milkshake or enjoying a bowl of ramen (of these, only the ramen happens in this book, when there is not one culture in it that to me speaks of Asian inspired worlds...). When such things take place in fantasy books, I am instantly thrown out of the book and the immersiveness of the world to obsess about why the author couldn't be bothered with creating different terms for certain things - especially when, in this novel, the author does go to the trouble of coining something they call 'smoke leaf' and which I presume is akin to tobacco... so why not the ramen, why not the coffee? I honestly had trouble with this, and kept returning to it in my head while reading.
I still stand by my first words, this is unique, unlike anything I ever read before, and I believe that it could have been a massive five star read for me if it wasn't so overwritten and there had been a bit more care with detail. As it is, it was still a pleasant surprise that made me think of fantasy in a new, different manner and wish for more books with this kind of premise.

[Doc of the Dark Arts · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 Stars
Format: E-Book (provided by the author)
Spoilers: No

The Council of Athyzia is a fresh approach to the very traditional tales and tropes of fantasy, while still nodding and paying homage to them. While the stories in the realm of fantasy often focus on the battle to defeat a dark lord, The Council of Athyzia asks the question: what happens once the dark lord is defeated?

While a unique take, the story definitely relies on traditional fantasy lore. Elves who are fading from the earth, orcs, and a dark lord who is left in a non-human state all call back to Tolkien, while references to the "Blight" left behind by the dark lord the ability to walk in the dreams of others (reminiscent of Tel'aran'rhiod) call back to the Wheel of Time. We have mages, witches, dwarves, elves, orcs, and a fanatical pseudo-religious group wishing to push a standard magic on the world. The premise is that all of the leaders of these different peoples and races have been called to a council in Athyzia, the home of mages and magical knowledge, to set the course for the post-dark lord world.

The first part of the book provides an introduction to the council members, and we spend a lot of time within the machinations of the council. By the mid point, there is a large turn in the plot, however in part two we return to the council proceedings. The main focus of the book is the council itself, and the political maneuvering that results as our council members are fighting for votes. While the political intrigue is well done generally, it can get somewhat tedious at parts. We spend a good deal of time with three characters, who are the main focus of the story, and their interaction with the Magic of Order, the aforementioned quasi-religious group, and their leader. The leader of the Magic of Order is one of the more despicable characters I have read of late.

While the political intrigue is interesting, I would have liked to have gotten more focus on our characters and their backstory, and a little less council proceedings. There are some great plot turns, and some chapters that are really exciting and tense. It does leave us is a very tenuous state at the end, and clearly there is going to be a lot more going on in this trilogy. From my standpoint, I would have enjoyed a bit more in terms of the outside world, a bit more balance between politics and action, and a bit more when it comes to character development. That all being said, this is an impressive vision for an indie author. Book two is already out, and book three is in the works.

If you you are looking for a slow burn story with a unique take on the world of fantasy, while still allowing for call-backs to traditional works, filled with politicking, backroom deals, and the nitty gritty of council policy, I think you will really enjoy this book.