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The Shape of Power
IN ONE YEAR, THE EMPIRE WILL HANG BRINA’S FATHER.
SHE WON’T LET THEM.
Brina Springtide carries her father's legacy like a curse. She was only a child when his assassination of the empire’s divine ruler cast the realm into chaos and ripped apart what remained of her family. Left to fend for herself, Brina feels powerless against the crushing grip of the empire. Until she unearths a mysterious artifact in an abandoned mine.
As Brina discovers her hidden powers, she is sucked into a shadow world of banned magic, thievery, and rebellion. No longer alone, she finds herself surrounded by the very people the empire swore to destroy: sparkgazers. Inspired by Brina’s father, these sorcerers have been conspiring in secret to tear down the empire.
Step one of their plan? To free the man who started it all.
With a crew of unlikely companions, Brina sets out for the infamous prison of God’s Maul. Between its blackened walls and labyrinthine passages, her father counts his final days.
She might get in, but will she get back out?
SHE WON’T LET THEM.
Brina Springtide carries her father's legacy like a curse. She was only a child when his assassination of the empire’s divine ruler cast the realm into chaos and ripped apart what remained of her family. Left to fend for herself, Brina feels powerless against the crushing grip of the empire. Until she unearths a mysterious artifact in an abandoned mine.
As Brina discovers her hidden powers, she is sucked into a shadow world of banned magic, thievery, and rebellion. No longer alone, she finds herself surrounded by the very people the empire swore to destroy: sparkgazers. Inspired by Brina’s father, these sorcerers have been conspiring in secret to tear down the empire.
Step one of their plan? To free the man who started it all.
With a crew of unlikely companions, Brina sets out for the infamous prison of God’s Maul. Between its blackened walls and labyrinthine passages, her father counts his final days.
She might get in, but will she get back out?
- GenresFantasy
408 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2025
3 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Dan F. Swinnen
3 books9 followersHi there!
My name is Dan. I am the author of the epic fantasy series The Sparkgazer Saga. I was born in 1994, and I live in the greatest city on earth: Ghent, Belgium. (Seriously, look up ‘Gravensteen’ and tell me I’m lying.)
I’ve always been a bit of a misfit. To me, the real world is like one of those woolen Christmas sweaters, it’s itchy, sweaty, and tight around the chest. Stories provide an escape from that. They allow us, if only for a moment, to forget the mundane and to experience life from a new perspective.
There is something magical about getting lost in strange new worlds filled with monsters, sorcery, and larger-than-life personalities. Some characters become friends, others bitter enemies. Each of them teaches us something about life and ourselves.
Ever since I read Lord of the Rings as a kid, I dreamed of one day adding my own contribution to the vast and diverse world of fantasy literature. I wanted to do for some lonely kid sitting in their bedroom with nothing but a stack of books for company, what Tolkien, Sanderson, and Pratchett did for me.
I started many times, and I stopped just as often.
In the end, DM’ing a Dungeons and Dragons campaign for my friends gave me just enough confidence to push through. It took me close to five years, but today I am proud to say my debut trilogy The Sparkgazer Saga is officially finished. And I am far from done.
Thank you for your interest in my work, it means everything to me. I will continue to strive to bring you the best stories I possibly can. New realms and characters are already in the works. Subscribe to my newsletter at www.danfswinnen.com to join me in my journey to far and treacherous lands
My name is Dan. I am the author of the epic fantasy series The Sparkgazer Saga. I was born in 1994, and I live in the greatest city on earth: Ghent, Belgium. (Seriously, look up ‘Gravensteen’ and tell me I’m lying.)
I’ve always been a bit of a misfit. To me, the real world is like one of those woolen Christmas sweaters, it’s itchy, sweaty, and tight around the chest. Stories provide an escape from that. They allow us, if only for a moment, to forget the mundane and to experience life from a new perspective.
There is something magical about getting lost in strange new worlds filled with monsters, sorcery, and larger-than-life personalities. Some characters become friends, others bitter enemies. Each of them teaches us something about life and ourselves.
Ever since I read Lord of the Rings as a kid, I dreamed of one day adding my own contribution to the vast and diverse world of fantasy literature. I wanted to do for some lonely kid sitting in their bedroom with nothing but a stack of books for company, what Tolkien, Sanderson, and Pratchett did for me.
I started many times, and I stopped just as often.
In the end, DM’ing a Dungeons and Dragons campaign for my friends gave me just enough confidence to push through. It took me close to five years, but today I am proud to say my debut trilogy The Sparkgazer Saga is officially finished. And I am far from done.
Thank you for your interest in my work, it means everything to me. I will continue to strive to bring you the best stories I possibly can. New realms and characters are already in the works. Subscribe to my newsletter at www.danfswinnen.com to join me in my journey to far and treacherous lands
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 24, 2025
My rating 4.7
The fantasy novel "The Shape of Power (The Sparkgazer Saga Book 1)" by Dan F. Swinnen is well-written and keeps you reading until the very end of the book. The characters are well developed, the story is very thought-provoking, the descriptions of the places where the action takes place are very interestingly described, and all in all, for the author's first book, they are more than impressive. All in all, a great epic fantasy story, and I'll start reading the sequel soon.
The story follows Brine Springtide, whose father conspired against the empire’s divine ruler and killed the Cardinal Regent. She narrowly escaped from a house set on fire by the Emperor’s Black Helmets and fled into the forest for her life. In her hometown, she is branded as the daughter of a traitor, and no one wants to help her. To survive, she does dangerous jobs collecting ingredients and wild animals for a stingy and treacherous apothecary. Over time, she will become better at this job, but her main goal is to free her father from a notorious prison. This obsession of hers is just a dream that she cannot achieve on her own. The world she lives in is dangerous, unpredictable, but although she does not know it, fate will intertwine its fingers in her path. This path is fraught with dangers, and there is a great possibility that Brine could lose her life and soul.
I would recommend the book to fans of fantasy and epic fantasy.
The fantasy novel "The Shape of Power (The Sparkgazer Saga Book 1)" by Dan F. Swinnen is well-written and keeps you reading until the very end of the book. The characters are well developed, the story is very thought-provoking, the descriptions of the places where the action takes place are very interestingly described, and all in all, for the author's first book, they are more than impressive. All in all, a great epic fantasy story, and I'll start reading the sequel soon.
The story follows Brine Springtide, whose father conspired against the empire’s divine ruler and killed the Cardinal Regent. She narrowly escaped from a house set on fire by the Emperor’s Black Helmets and fled into the forest for her life. In her hometown, she is branded as the daughter of a traitor, and no one wants to help her. To survive, she does dangerous jobs collecting ingredients and wild animals for a stingy and treacherous apothecary. Over time, she will become better at this job, but her main goal is to free her father from a notorious prison. This obsession of hers is just a dream that she cannot achieve on her own. The world she lives in is dangerous, unpredictable, but although she does not know it, fate will intertwine its fingers in her path. This path is fraught with dangers, and there is a great possibility that Brine could lose her life and soul.
I would recommend the book to fans of fantasy and epic fantasy.
May 3, 2025
An empire being quietly controlled has a rebellious scapegoat whose life is set for execution to maintain order, but his daughter is determined to prevent that and sets off a larger chain of events in The Shape of Power: The Sparkgazer Saga Book One by Dan F. Swinnen.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Brina Springtide grew up beneath the shadow of her father’s legacy as the leader of the Cardinal’s assassins and the chaos that ensued after his imprisonment, which essentially left her orphaned at a young age, but this hardship did allow for her to develop an assortment of strong skills that she’s used to survive. Within her young adult life, she has found in her latest job a mysterious pyramid artifact that unlocks magical abilities of hers, which, though it may save her life, also serves to imperil it, too, as the magic of sparkgazing is what the empire has long sought to destroy. Upon orders of the current Cardinal to investigate the activity that Brina’s involved with, an emissary is bound by duty and has little choice but to follow those orders, placing a formidable foe in Brina’s path. Joined along her journey of determination to free her father from his impenetrable imprisonment by a band of similarly minded and spirited rebellious thieves and practitioners of magic, Brina begins to learn more about the power she can wield and how it can be used to tear down the injustices crafted by the empire, akin to what her father had previously attempted, sparking a fresh chapter in their fight.
Presenting a world that incorporates the fantastic through the use of a thoroughly thought out form of magic and the presence of mythical and imaginative creatures, political intrigue through ambition with angling to attain and maintain power, regardless of the cost involved, and societal portrayal and commentary of class statuses and some escaping reality through the use of drugs and the vicious cycle of reliance this creates and perpetuates within the system’s structure, the story is an entertaining beginning adventure and skirmish leading to a broader battle with wider ranging implications. While Brina serves as the primary focal connecting thread weaving the story together, the narration roves to include close attention on other characters periodically, fleshing out the world, establishing backgrounds and rationale driving corrupt action, and building momentum for forthcoming events. As the narrative splits its focus between several characters developing the story’s events and setting up the larger narrative arc for future installments of the saga, the pacing oscillates a bit unevenly while building and navigating the intricate network of relationships and secrets relied upon for action, which could cause some drifting in attention until the various elements piece together a bit more cohesively, and as anticipated, toward the end. The writing offers plenty of witty exchanges between the characters, depicting a satisfying glimpse into their distinct personalities and the strength of their conviction and spirit, alongside the dynamic developing between them and their united purpose, as well as providing a bit of humor to balance the more serious sociopolitical conspiracy, corruption, and oppressive state of the presented world.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Brina Springtide grew up beneath the shadow of her father’s legacy as the leader of the Cardinal’s assassins and the chaos that ensued after his imprisonment, which essentially left her orphaned at a young age, but this hardship did allow for her to develop an assortment of strong skills that she’s used to survive. Within her young adult life, she has found in her latest job a mysterious pyramid artifact that unlocks magical abilities of hers, which, though it may save her life, also serves to imperil it, too, as the magic of sparkgazing is what the empire has long sought to destroy. Upon orders of the current Cardinal to investigate the activity that Brina’s involved with, an emissary is bound by duty and has little choice but to follow those orders, placing a formidable foe in Brina’s path. Joined along her journey of determination to free her father from his impenetrable imprisonment by a band of similarly minded and spirited rebellious thieves and practitioners of magic, Brina begins to learn more about the power she can wield and how it can be used to tear down the injustices crafted by the empire, akin to what her father had previously attempted, sparking a fresh chapter in their fight.
Presenting a world that incorporates the fantastic through the use of a thoroughly thought out form of magic and the presence of mythical and imaginative creatures, political intrigue through ambition with angling to attain and maintain power, regardless of the cost involved, and societal portrayal and commentary of class statuses and some escaping reality through the use of drugs and the vicious cycle of reliance this creates and perpetuates within the system’s structure, the story is an entertaining beginning adventure and skirmish leading to a broader battle with wider ranging implications. While Brina serves as the primary focal connecting thread weaving the story together, the narration roves to include close attention on other characters periodically, fleshing out the world, establishing backgrounds and rationale driving corrupt action, and building momentum for forthcoming events. As the narrative splits its focus between several characters developing the story’s events and setting up the larger narrative arc for future installments of the saga, the pacing oscillates a bit unevenly while building and navigating the intricate network of relationships and secrets relied upon for action, which could cause some drifting in attention until the various elements piece together a bit more cohesively, and as anticipated, toward the end. The writing offers plenty of witty exchanges between the characters, depicting a satisfying glimpse into their distinct personalities and the strength of their conviction and spirit, alongside the dynamic developing between them and their united purpose, as well as providing a bit of humor to balance the more serious sociopolitical conspiracy, corruption, and oppressive state of the presented world.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2025
This debut novel by a young author from Ghent, Belgium, is a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre. From the very first page, the writing stands out for its fluidity and clarity. The sentences flow effortlessly, making it a joy to read, and the vivid imagery brings the world to life without ever feeling overwrought.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its pacing. Character introductions are brief—often no more than two sentences—allowing the story to maintain momentum without sacrificing depth. It invites the reader to actively engage and fill in the blanks, making the characters feel more personal. Chapters are perfect in size. The author manages to balance small bumps in tension within every chapter, without losing sight of the bigger plot and without making every chapter an emotionally exhausting journey for the reader. Furthermore, I felt like every chapter added something of value, there never was the feeling of 'filler'.
The setting is another highlight. Eschewing the typical medieval European backdrop, the author crafts a tropical world infused with European elements, such as an oppressive church. This blend of familiar and exotic creates a unique atmosphere that feels fresh without forsaking the usual suspects within the genre. While there is the usual bit of exposition in the book, it is always kept to a few paragraphs at a time. The (necessary) background information never stands in the way of the flow of the book.
The magic system is well thought out and creative. It particularly shines during the battle scenes. The author’s talent truly comes to the fore here—each magical duel is dynamic and tactile, with a choreography that makes the action leap off the page. You can almost feel the force of the two magic users, making these moments the most exhilarating in the book.
That said, the book isn’t without its flaws. Some scenes and character developments felt a bit rushed—chapter 45, is an example where the pacing may have worked against the narrative depth. Additionally, while the characters are generally well fleshed out, a few seem to fade into the background as the story progresses. One such character is Wane, who had potential but felt somewhat forgotten in certain chapters. I would have loved to see the chap being fleshed out a bit more.
I kept looking forward to continuing reading this book after work every day. As someone who reads around 10 to 12 books a year but for whome that's a challenge, I found myself reading through this one in two weeks. It’s a book which invites the reader every time, even if for just one chapter. It left me genuinely excited to see what this promising author will do next.
And since others seem to leave this into their review: I bought a physical copy of this book with my own hard earned money. That's a much better return on investment than using my emerald shards to buy more cloud from Dimimzy Zot.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its pacing. Character introductions are brief—often no more than two sentences—allowing the story to maintain momentum without sacrificing depth. It invites the reader to actively engage and fill in the blanks, making the characters feel more personal. Chapters are perfect in size. The author manages to balance small bumps in tension within every chapter, without losing sight of the bigger plot and without making every chapter an emotionally exhausting journey for the reader. Furthermore, I felt like every chapter added something of value, there never was the feeling of 'filler'.
The setting is another highlight. Eschewing the typical medieval European backdrop, the author crafts a tropical world infused with European elements, such as an oppressive church. This blend of familiar and exotic creates a unique atmosphere that feels fresh without forsaking the usual suspects within the genre. While there is the usual bit of exposition in the book, it is always kept to a few paragraphs at a time. The (necessary) background information never stands in the way of the flow of the book.
The magic system is well thought out and creative. It particularly shines during the battle scenes. The author’s talent truly comes to the fore here—each magical duel is dynamic and tactile, with a choreography that makes the action leap off the page. You can almost feel the force of the two magic users, making these moments the most exhilarating in the book.
That said, the book isn’t without its flaws. Some scenes and character developments felt a bit rushed—chapter 45, is an example where the pacing may have worked against the narrative depth. Additionally, while the characters are generally well fleshed out, a few seem to fade into the background as the story progresses. One such character is Wane, who had potential but felt somewhat forgotten in certain chapters. I would have loved to see the chap being fleshed out a bit more.
I kept looking forward to continuing reading this book after work every day. As someone who reads around 10 to 12 books a year but for whome that's a challenge, I found myself reading through this one in two weeks. It’s a book which invites the reader every time, even if for just one chapter. It left me genuinely excited to see what this promising author will do next.
And since others seem to leave this into their review: I bought a physical copy of this book with my own hard earned money. That's a much better return on investment than using my emerald shards to buy more cloud from Dimimzy Zot.
March 30, 2025
This is the book that got me back into reading.
I received a free copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When receiving this copy, I must admit I was not quite sure what to expect. I had only recently gotten back into reading as a hobby and specifically only opted for "tried and true" classics. While often feeling underwhelmed even with the books being critically acclaimed.
That being said, it is difficult to find a book that read as effortlessly and compellingly as this one. As you can glean from my profile, I am often underwhelmed by books either taking too long to get to the point, or not really hitting a high note that feels satisfying. This book manages both.
I won't speak to the contents of the story, but it feels like a classic goal set in a nuanced world. The fault lines of morality in the story are not always marked in black and white. Characters I root for do things I would consider unethical. They are not perfect, but they are very clearly human. It makes for a fantasy narrative that still feels grounded in the gritty reality. It conveys hope, while also realising that some pains never wash away.
I can honestly say, if you are an enjoyer of epic fantasy who likes character driven narratives. This book will bring you joy and anticipation for every installment in its saga! Have a good time with it. I consider it a must read in 2025.
I received a free copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When receiving this copy, I must admit I was not quite sure what to expect. I had only recently gotten back into reading as a hobby and specifically only opted for "tried and true" classics. While often feeling underwhelmed even with the books being critically acclaimed.
That being said, it is difficult to find a book that read as effortlessly and compellingly as this one. As you can glean from my profile, I am often underwhelmed by books either taking too long to get to the point, or not really hitting a high note that feels satisfying. This book manages both.
I won't speak to the contents of the story, but it feels like a classic goal set in a nuanced world. The fault lines of morality in the story are not always marked in black and white. Characters I root for do things I would consider unethical. They are not perfect, but they are very clearly human. It makes for a fantasy narrative that still feels grounded in the gritty reality. It conveys hope, while also realising that some pains never wash away.
I can honestly say, if you are an enjoyer of epic fantasy who likes character driven narratives. This book will bring you joy and anticipation for every installment in its saga! Have a good time with it. I consider it a must read in 2025.
April 11, 2025
Brian is a Roamer. Her situation is as hopeless as all other Outwallers among whom she squeezes out a living. But, unlike other Outwallers, she's driven to find her father ... and the more she discovers about the plans of the so-called religious autocracy, the more she's able to gather like-minded people around her ... and what a disparate but oddly talented bunch they are.
The author has a great way of weaving many storylines together to form this engaging book. The World is full of curious and strange creatures, but people's motivations follow well-worn paths: self-serving or selfless, hopeless or hopeful, loyal or devious and so on.
The Shape of Power is the first in The Sparkgazer Saga and ends with an enticing 'what next'. If you enjoy action fantasy with a coherent and flowing storyline, pick up this book and enjoy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author has a great way of weaving many storylines together to form this engaging book. The World is full of curious and strange creatures, but people's motivations follow well-worn paths: self-serving or selfless, hopeless or hopeful, loyal or devious and so on.
The Shape of Power is the first in The Sparkgazer Saga and ends with an enticing 'what next'. If you enjoy action fantasy with a coherent and flowing storyline, pick up this book and enjoy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 5, 2025
*ARC review*
The Shape of Power is the first book in The Sparkgazer Saga; a series of magic and rebellion. It follows Brina Springtide, a young roamer who takes on quests for the locals, hunting monsters and collecting resources in order to make ends meet. She lives on the outskirts of a city, walled off to keep the unsavoury folks away from the elite members of society.
The shadow of Brina’s father hangs over the story; he was one of the sorcerous rebels who assassinated the previous Cardinal and were then captured due to a betrayal. Once a year, one of these rebels is executed, until eventually only her father remains… and his time is running out. After Brina discovers an ancient artifact on a quest in an abandoned mine, hidden powers start to awaken and she finds herself drawn into a world of banned magic, teaming up with a group of unlikely companions. Together, they plan to break her father out of the infamous labyrinthine prison of God’s Maul, a place no one has escaped from.
Brina had heard the stories. She had found the bodies. On multiple occasions she’d found the barren bones of some unfortunate roamer, covered in gnaw marks.
Once, years ago, she’d even heard cries for help emanate from deep within the earth. Brina swallowed at the memory. The guilt had never quite faded. There was nothing to be done, she reminded herself. Once lost here, they were already dead. I just caught the echo.
Brina is a strong, well-rounded protagonist who is complex and likable. The support characters are diverse, morally grey, and all given development throughout the story. The setting is grim and the humour is snarky. In the first half, I experienced the familiarity I get from a good RPG; of my character wandering around town and the surrounding area, accepting quests to hunt monsters for their parts. Then, in the second half, things kick up a gear as the gang plot a dangerous jailbreak and experiment with a unique magic system. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with The Shape of Power and I’m keen to read the next book in this series.
The Shape of Power is the first book in The Sparkgazer Saga; a series of magic and rebellion. It follows Brina Springtide, a young roamer who takes on quests for the locals, hunting monsters and collecting resources in order to make ends meet. She lives on the outskirts of a city, walled off to keep the unsavoury folks away from the elite members of society.
The shadow of Brina’s father hangs over the story; he was one of the sorcerous rebels who assassinated the previous Cardinal and were then captured due to a betrayal. Once a year, one of these rebels is executed, until eventually only her father remains… and his time is running out. After Brina discovers an ancient artifact on a quest in an abandoned mine, hidden powers start to awaken and she finds herself drawn into a world of banned magic, teaming up with a group of unlikely companions. Together, they plan to break her father out of the infamous labyrinthine prison of God’s Maul, a place no one has escaped from.
Brina had heard the stories. She had found the bodies. On multiple occasions she’d found the barren bones of some unfortunate roamer, covered in gnaw marks.
Once, years ago, she’d even heard cries for help emanate from deep within the earth. Brina swallowed at the memory. The guilt had never quite faded. There was nothing to be done, she reminded herself. Once lost here, they were already dead. I just caught the echo.
Brina is a strong, well-rounded protagonist who is complex and likable. The support characters are diverse, morally grey, and all given development throughout the story. The setting is grim and the humour is snarky. In the first half, I experienced the familiarity I get from a good RPG; of my character wandering around town and the surrounding area, accepting quests to hunt monsters for their parts. Then, in the second half, things kick up a gear as the gang plot a dangerous jailbreak and experiment with a unique magic system. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with The Shape of Power and I’m keen to read the next book in this series.
June 6, 2025
The Shape of Power by Dan F. Swinnen is an ambitious and intellectually rich start to a new fantasy saga that bleeds magic, politics, and rebellion - set in a world where control is maintained not just through force, but through carefully constructed systems of power.
At the heart of the novel is our new friend Brina Springtide, a scrappy and determined young woman shaped by a legacy of rebellion and (plenty of) loss. When her path collides with a mysterious magical artifact, she finds herself caught in a much larger conspiracy that challenges the truth, justice, and influence. Along the way, she forges reluctant alliances, unearths buried truths, and begins to understand the deeper forces at play.
What sets this book apart is its intricate magic system (sparkgazing) .. a sort of power that reminded me of some spiritual practices, where intent and sciences are intertwined. Rather than casting spells, characters use magic to manipulate structures and perception, which in many ways mirrors the political systems they’re fighting against. It’s a different approach to the "burn the empire" trope (and reminiscent in ways to Mistborn, as I think about it and write this..).
Swinnen’s world building is immersive, touching on issues of class, control, and identity. The writing balances thoughtful commentary with moments of wit and plenty of banter. While the pacing can slow at times due to the intricacies of the plot and multiple perspectives, the payoff is well worth it. The story did leave me with some questions that I hope will be answered in future installments.
Perfect for readers who enjoy politically charged fantasy with intricate world building and morally nuanced characters, The Shape of Power is a sweeping and promising beginning to the Sparkgazer Saga.
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC and this new Saga to follow! Also, thank you to Dan F. Swinnen for creating a whole new world and new friends to root for!
At the heart of the novel is our new friend Brina Springtide, a scrappy and determined young woman shaped by a legacy of rebellion and (plenty of) loss. When her path collides with a mysterious magical artifact, she finds herself caught in a much larger conspiracy that challenges the truth, justice, and influence. Along the way, she forges reluctant alliances, unearths buried truths, and begins to understand the deeper forces at play.
What sets this book apart is its intricate magic system (sparkgazing) .. a sort of power that reminded me of some spiritual practices, where intent and sciences are intertwined. Rather than casting spells, characters use magic to manipulate structures and perception, which in many ways mirrors the political systems they’re fighting against. It’s a different approach to the "burn the empire" trope (and reminiscent in ways to Mistborn, as I think about it and write this..).
Swinnen’s world building is immersive, touching on issues of class, control, and identity. The writing balances thoughtful commentary with moments of wit and plenty of banter. While the pacing can slow at times due to the intricacies of the plot and multiple perspectives, the payoff is well worth it. The story did leave me with some questions that I hope will be answered in future installments.
Perfect for readers who enjoy politically charged fantasy with intricate world building and morally nuanced characters, The Shape of Power is a sweeping and promising beginning to the Sparkgazer Saga.
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC and this new Saga to follow! Also, thank you to Dan F. Swinnen for creating a whole new world and new friends to root for!
July 28, 2025
Brina Springtide is only a child when her father assassinates the empire’s dicine ruler, which casts the realm into chaos. One day in an abandoned mine, she found a mysterious artifact and her life was never the same as ordinary again…
This book feels like a poem; a hero, an unknown and a coward. Many actions are presented at a slow pace. I feel like watching a fantasy-dystopia TV show on Amazon Prime. The world building is nicely simple with unique monsters and magical creatures.
As for the character, the FMC, Brina is a grumpy Scrooge McDuck combined with strong monster hunter determination, warrior and sorceress. The other characters' unique personalities are really spot on. This story has many full of surprises.
However, there is a sudden change of the POV in the middle of the chapter and makes the story scattered and messy. There are two events in two different places with not connecting to each other, especially in three POV in the chapter, making the story's plot really messy. Next, this story really needs a map, an introduction to world building (make an epilogue) and magic system (including how it works), and a glossary. Also, some action is not clear, causing more ambiguity, so needed to be explained more clearly.
This book feels like a poem; a hero, an unknown and a coward. Many actions are presented at a slow pace. I feel like watching a fantasy-dystopia TV show on Amazon Prime. The world building is nicely simple with unique monsters and magical creatures.
As for the character, the FMC, Brina is a grumpy Scrooge McDuck combined with strong monster hunter determination, warrior and sorceress. The other characters' unique personalities are really spot on. This story has many full of surprises.
However, there is a sudden change of the POV in the middle of the chapter and makes the story scattered and messy. There are two events in two different places with not connecting to each other, especially in three POV in the chapter, making the story's plot really messy. Next, this story really needs a map, an introduction to world building (make an epilogue) and magic system (including how it works), and a glossary. Also, some action is not clear, causing more ambiguity, so needed to be explained more clearly.
May 22, 2025
*I received an ARC-copy of the author in return for giving an honest review*
I'm a firm believer that what truly elevates a story is the excecution it is performed with. And after reading the first book of Dan Swinnen Sparkgazer saga I'm really impressed by the quality of exactly that, its excecution.
The author managed to create a tangible world with elements that feel familiar, but through concise and vivid writing (Swinnen often needed no more than a few descriptive lines to paint a very clear image in my mind) turned known tropes into an a fresh world (the coastal theme and dutch influence come to mind) filled with interesting characters that can't easily be boxed into good/evil and in their motivations/actions feel very believable. The result is a cool blend of fantastical elements against a backdrop of very human struggle.
A particular standout to me is the story of Acheron, which is filled as much with misery as sympathy and heart.
Overall I'm thouroughly impressed by this first book and will definitely be picking up the rest of the saga. I can't wait to see where this tale will take us.
I'm a firm believer that what truly elevates a story is the excecution it is performed with. And after reading the first book of Dan Swinnen Sparkgazer saga I'm really impressed by the quality of exactly that, its excecution.
The author managed to create a tangible world with elements that feel familiar, but through concise and vivid writing (Swinnen often needed no more than a few descriptive lines to paint a very clear image in my mind) turned known tropes into an a fresh world (the coastal theme and dutch influence come to mind) filled with interesting characters that can't easily be boxed into good/evil and in their motivations/actions feel very believable. The result is a cool blend of fantastical elements against a backdrop of very human struggle.
A particular standout to me is the story of Acheron, which is filled as much with misery as sympathy and heart.
Overall I'm thouroughly impressed by this first book and will definitely be picking up the rest of the saga. I can't wait to see where this tale will take us.
April 10, 2025
The Shape of Power feels to me like a modern reboot of a series from the 90s or early 2000s. It’s got that slightly vintage fantasy vibe—hardscrabble orphan comes into unexpected magical powers, seeks out mentor, trains to master their talent, falls in with found family of fellow misfits, confronts Big Bad in epic castle-storming showdown, all the familiar beats and tropes. But the world is gritty and atmospheric enough to feel fresh; it has a vaguely Dutch Caribbean flavor that feels descended from grimdark, and it introduces a really cool hard magic system that's fun to watch and also, refreshingly, you don't need an entire glossary to understand.
Brina's an easy enough protagonist to root for, but it's the crooked and morally gray side characters that really shine here—the delightfully cynical, self-sabotaging mentor; the fussy crime lord turned very reluctant ally; the conflicted Church enforcer; the innkeeper with vital but closely held secrets. Every one of them gets a satisfying arc in their own right, and that's what really carries the book.
Brina's an easy enough protagonist to root for, but it's the crooked and morally gray side characters that really shine here—the delightfully cynical, self-sabotaging mentor; the fussy crime lord turned very reluctant ally; the conflicted Church enforcer; the innkeeper with vital but closely held secrets. Every one of them gets a satisfying arc in their own right, and that's what really carries the book.
April 24, 2025
It’s not often the case that a fantasy novel manages to stand out against the sea of other ones out there, but for me The Shape of Power (The Sparkgazer Saga Book 1) managed to do just that!
Brina’s journey to rescue her father strikes this perfect balance for me between a grimdark world and characters that are witty and well written enough to prevent the former from becoming a depressing drag. The magic system takes the role of a mystery or puzzle that makes you turn page after page to look for a solution and learn more of its intricacies and I’m pretty excited to see just how it will be expanded in the next book. One last thing that really stuck with me is the creativity and originality in the naming of characters. I don’t think I’ll soon come across names like “Dimimzi Zot” again.
If you’re looking for that next fantasy series to get you hooked, I’d definitely recommend you give this one a try!
Brina’s journey to rescue her father strikes this perfect balance for me between a grimdark world and characters that are witty and well written enough to prevent the former from becoming a depressing drag. The magic system takes the role of a mystery or puzzle that makes you turn page after page to look for a solution and learn more of its intricacies and I’m pretty excited to see just how it will be expanded in the next book. One last thing that really stuck with me is the creativity and originality in the naming of characters. I don’t think I’ll soon come across names like “Dimimzi Zot” again.
If you’re looking for that next fantasy series to get you hooked, I’d definitely recommend you give this one a try!
April 28, 2025
I received an advanced review copy from the author.
There's a lot to love about the Shape of Power. From the hardscrabble heist to the sense of grim magic, it's a fascinating and lovingly built world and story that I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in. What really stuck with me, though, was the elements of creativity that I didn't expect. The names and structure of the world, for instance, really reflect the author's Flemish roots, and give the world a unique flavour that really stands out from the more generic Anglosphere fantasy. I also enjoyed the particular style of dark fantasy that Swinnen created, a sense that *feels* like it evokes the tattered back streets of 19th century Europe, but still very much its own. Throughout, I was reminded of the Dishonored video game series and the works of Brandon Sanderson, but the book still very much has its own identity. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a new world to get lost in.
There's a lot to love about the Shape of Power. From the hardscrabble heist to the sense of grim magic, it's a fascinating and lovingly built world and story that I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in. What really stuck with me, though, was the elements of creativity that I didn't expect. The names and structure of the world, for instance, really reflect the author's Flemish roots, and give the world a unique flavour that really stands out from the more generic Anglosphere fantasy. I also enjoyed the particular style of dark fantasy that Swinnen created, a sense that *feels* like it evokes the tattered back streets of 19th century Europe, but still very much its own. Throughout, I was reminded of the Dishonored video game series and the works of Brandon Sanderson, but the book still very much has its own identity. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a new world to get lost in.
May 4, 2025
As a fan of The Witcher books, I’m really glad I picked up the first book in the Sparkgazer series. From the beginning, I was pulled into a world of stark contrasts, class differences and hidden powers, that gradually builds toward rebellion.
What I loved most was how the story and world unfold through the eyes of different characters and their personal struggles. The transition from the slums to the heart of the imperium is rich in detail and never feels rushed. Each perspective adds something new, making the story full of tension and leaving you wanting more.
The writing flows smoothly, and the story draws you in deeper as it unfolds.
If you enjoy epic fantasy with strong character development, imperial power struggles, and clever worldbuilding, this is definitely worth your time.
What I loved most was how the story and world unfold through the eyes of different characters and their personal struggles. The transition from the slums to the heart of the imperium is rich in detail and never feels rushed. Each perspective adds something new, making the story full of tension and leaving you wanting more.
The writing flows smoothly, and the story draws you in deeper as it unfolds.
If you enjoy epic fantasy with strong character development, imperial power struggles, and clever worldbuilding, this is definitely worth your time.
July 29, 2025
After reading a bazillion sci-fi and fantasy books, you'd think you've seen it all and that the stories would become a bit predictable. I guarantee you: not with this one.
I couldn’t put this book down and felt really invested in the story, which contains adventure, mythical creatures, politics, and a good dose of sarcastic humour. It also doesn’t help that every chapter ends on a cliffhanger.
The strong and witty main character is very likeable, though I’m curious to understand her better and see a bit more depth to her personality. It definitely makes me want to read the whole trilogy even more.
The author seems to have chosen not to spend half the book on worldbuilding, but instead throws you straight into the action, revealing bits and pieces of it in every chapter.
Solid 10/10.
I couldn’t put this book down and felt really invested in the story, which contains adventure, mythical creatures, politics, and a good dose of sarcastic humour. It also doesn’t help that every chapter ends on a cliffhanger.
The strong and witty main character is very likeable, though I’m curious to understand her better and see a bit more depth to her personality. It definitely makes me want to read the whole trilogy even more.
The author seems to have chosen not to spend half the book on worldbuilding, but instead throws you straight into the action, revealing bits and pieces of it in every chapter.
Solid 10/10.
October 25, 2025
The Shape of Power Review
The Shape of power is the first instalment of The Sparkgazer saga.
Dan's debut novell is one that should be on every fantasy readers radar. With a rescue party, mythical creatures, fantastic and enjoyble magic system, badass female character with a annoyed mentor and multiple povs. There is something for everyone to love here.
With short introduction to the characters, you will have a nicely paced story read. That is easy to get trough with exciting things all over the place.
At first I thought this was gonna be a single pov series, and I was nicely surprised that we got a handful of fantastic characters, which had different contribution to the story.
Excited to see what book 2 will bring.
The Shape of power is the first instalment of The Sparkgazer saga.
Dan's debut novell is one that should be on every fantasy readers radar. With a rescue party, mythical creatures, fantastic and enjoyble magic system, badass female character with a annoyed mentor and multiple povs. There is something for everyone to love here.
With short introduction to the characters, you will have a nicely paced story read. That is easy to get trough with exciting things all over the place.
At first I thought this was gonna be a single pov series, and I was nicely surprised that we got a handful of fantastic characters, which had different contribution to the story.
Excited to see what book 2 will bring.
December 1, 2025
I loved reading The Shape of Power. The author has created a fascinating world, and I found the magic system very interesting. The characters were well written, and I enjoyed getting to know each of them. I loved Brina's determination. The story itself is engaging from the first page, and I felt like the pacing was great. There was a lot of action and the occassional quieter bit so the reader can catch their breath, but never a point wherre I wanted to set the book down. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy action adventure stories.
April 10, 2025
This is what you’d get if Riyria was written by Brandon Sanderson circa the Mistborn era. It’s got an epic jailbreak. It’s got banter. It’s got a criminal underworld and a found family (with a certain amount of overlap between the two). It’s got a genuinely interesting magic system that hinges on a mechanic I don’t think I’ve seen before. All in all, it’s fast, it’s fun, and it wraps up with an explosive and satisfying climax that still feels like it’s laying the groundwork for a longer saga.
March 30, 2025
Overall a very well written narrative with a darker undertone compared to the books I usually enjoy. The biggest deduction for me personally is the focus on Epic Fantasy where I personally enjoy a romantic angle in novels. Still a good read and would recommend!
April 3, 2025
I loved following in Brina's kick-ass footsteps and can't wait to read what's next for her!
September 4, 2025
The 'shapes of power' that sparkgazers use, is an original and well thought out concept, and for me, the little details such as a chair that molds itself to fit the sitter makes the story and the world compelling. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel to this story.
August 11, 2025
The Shape of Power is a remarkable debut novel. Fans of epic fantasy will find lots to love here, and need to pick up this book. A multi-POV prison break adventure with monster hunting, amazing symbol magic, riots and embers of revolution against an elite theocracy, and classic and compelling villains.
I enjoyed each character, with Brina, Acheron, and Solana being the standouts to me. Give me more Solana! Each had realistic motivations. The magic was fun, with fascinating limitations. The author sprinkled rich world-building throughout and left me wanting more. I loved the late medieval or early Renaissance feel of the world. The setting and story suggested a blend of the Way of Kings and the Witcher.
The whole trilogy is out! I will grab the next two
I enjoyed each character, with Brina, Acheron, and Solana being the standouts to me. Give me more Solana! Each had realistic motivations. The magic was fun, with fascinating limitations. The author sprinkled rich world-building throughout and left me wanting more. I loved the late medieval or early Renaissance feel of the world. The setting and story suggested a blend of the Way of Kings and the Witcher.
The whole trilogy is out! I will grab the next two
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