Nethergeist: Nethergeist, Book 1

by Nick Stevenson, Jennifer Lim (narrator)

For thousands of years, the Emperor Goat, a necromancer so powerful he has declared himself God, has had an iron grip on the universe, causing most worlds to fall into disrepair.

In a paranoid city of renegades, the last bastion of humanity holds out against his might.

Ayilia, its Regent-Elect, is friendless, single, the "wrong" sex, the "wrong" heritage, and apparently cursed. While attempting to rout a coup, she is selected by outside forces to search for the impending birth site of Al Kimiya, a mage who is said to be the only match for the Emperor. To save herself and her people, she must ally with heretic magi, necromantic freedom fighters, the human-hating, reptilian Krayal, and her sworn foe, the cowardly, lifeless warlord Vespasian.

A complex literary fantasy, Nethergeist is a story where the conflict is as much about the characters' inner turmoil as the outward struggle against the maniacal emperor. Featuring intense battles, snappy dialogue, and a world on the edge of ruin, Nethergeist is a fantasy in the vein of Malazan Book of the Fallen and The First Law.

Audible Audio

Published May 28, 2024

Reviews

[Koushik Banerjea · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a confession. I bought ‘Nethergeist’ on impulse on the strength of that cover alone. Ghost Rider meets Shakespeare, and what’s not to like about that? But I’m now happy to report that the inside contents don’t disappoint either. For any reader who is a fan of dynamic action/fight sequences, snappy dialogue, and sharp prose, this debut novel by Nick Stevenson is a must-read. In common with the very best of classic sci-fi/speculative fiction, and I’m thinking here of writers like Pierre Boulle (‘Planet of the Apes’) or Ray Bradbury, or even Richard Powers, Nethergeist also has something important to say about the world we live in now, as well as the imaginary topography it presents us with. And best of all, there’s more to come, as this is the first book in a series. I’m already intrigued to know where the author takes us next. All that aside though, this is quite simply a brilliant read. Beg, borrow or steal a copy. Better still, buy one. You won’t be disappointed. A superb debut by an author who’s now very firmly on my readerly radar.