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Bleeding Iris
Would you forfeit your humanity in exchange for power?Odalig is one of the few to be offered such a bargain by the fallen god, Shetani. Serving as a professional agitator in a conqueror’s army, Odalig sows seeds of revolution amongst the serfs of enemy territories, encouraging them to rise against the oligarchs. He has long ignored the lopsided bargain proposed to him by this fallen god, but when a small insurgency learns of the true potential of the power he spurns, he is coerced into joining their rebellion. An uprising that endeavors to kill the immortal king. Yet, Odalig’s hesitancy to accept this god’s peculiar bargain remains, for how should one respond to a god that pleads for everything in exchange for nothing?
Perhaps there’s more to this bargain than complete forfeiture of his humanity.
Perhaps there’s more to this bargain than complete forfeiture of his humanity.
303 pages, Paperback
Published December 19, 2023
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 6, 2024
Unique Dark Fantasy with a Haunting Depth
As someone who doesn’t often dive into horror-laden fantasy, Bleeding Iris surprised me with its richly crafted and chilling world. This novel introduces readers to a universe dominated by gods, war, and the haunting consequences of deals with fallen deities. The concept of characters literally "bleeding" through their bargains brings an intense visual and emotional resonance to the story. Odalig, the protagonist, is faced with a life-altering decision that tests his very humanity, creating a darkly immersive, almost mythological journey. The story is slow to start, but this gradual build-up adds to the suspense, making the twists that follow more impactful.
What kept me hooked was the fascinating dynamic between gods and mortals, echoing mythologies like Greek or Egyptian, but with a unique twist that adds layers of intrigue and danger. The moral complexity, coupled with unpredictable plot turns, left me questioning who I should root for. Steven Chisholm’s prose is both poetic and intense, capturing the grim beauty of a world where power always comes at a cost. If you’re new to this genre, as I was, Bleeding Iris is a darkly thrilling read that will leave you wanting more—and anxiously awaiting the next book!
BTW I really like the cover art and interior designs
As someone who doesn’t often dive into horror-laden fantasy, Bleeding Iris surprised me with its richly crafted and chilling world. This novel introduces readers to a universe dominated by gods, war, and the haunting consequences of deals with fallen deities. The concept of characters literally "bleeding" through their bargains brings an intense visual and emotional resonance to the story. Odalig, the protagonist, is faced with a life-altering decision that tests his very humanity, creating a darkly immersive, almost mythological journey. The story is slow to start, but this gradual build-up adds to the suspense, making the twists that follow more impactful.
What kept me hooked was the fascinating dynamic between gods and mortals, echoing mythologies like Greek or Egyptian, but with a unique twist that adds layers of intrigue and danger. The moral complexity, coupled with unpredictable plot turns, left me questioning who I should root for. Steven Chisholm’s prose is both poetic and intense, capturing the grim beauty of a world where power always comes at a cost. If you’re new to this genre, as I was, Bleeding Iris is a darkly thrilling read that will leave you wanting more—and anxiously awaiting the next book!
BTW I really like the cover art and interior designs
January 25, 2025
Well-written and Full of Twists
The novel follows the journey of Odalig, a young man seeking revenge for his mother's death by joining a rebellion movement. The premise of the story is captivating and sets the stage for a thrilling adventure.
One of the highlights of the book is the love story between Odalig and Baldana, a prostitute. Their relationship is vividly described and adds depth to the plot.
As for the minor flaws, the story starts off slowly and takes some time to pick up pace. Additionally, the use of academic language in the dialogue between characters with simpler vocabularies can make some conversations feel unnatural.
Overall, "Bleeding Iris" is a well-written dark fantasy novel with unexpected twists. Despite its slow start, the story is engaging and a worthy addition to any dark fantasy collection. Fans of the genre will appreciate the unique world-building and complex characters that Chisholm has created in this novel.
The novel follows the journey of Odalig, a young man seeking revenge for his mother's death by joining a rebellion movement. The premise of the story is captivating and sets the stage for a thrilling adventure.
One of the highlights of the book is the love story between Odalig and Baldana, a prostitute. Their relationship is vividly described and adds depth to the plot.
As for the minor flaws, the story starts off slowly and takes some time to pick up pace. Additionally, the use of academic language in the dialogue between characters with simpler vocabularies can make some conversations feel unnatural.
Overall, "Bleeding Iris" is a well-written dark fantasy novel with unexpected twists. Despite its slow start, the story is engaging and a worthy addition to any dark fantasy collection. Fans of the genre will appreciate the unique world-building and complex characters that Chisholm has created in this novel.
March 21, 2025
Bleeding Iris by Steven Chisholm is a formidable and visionary addition to the epic fantasy canon, weaving moral ambiguity, political unrest, and mythic resonance into a brutal yet poetic saga. With striking prose and haunting philosophical inquiry, this novel doesn’t just tell a story—it challenges readers to confront the cost of power and the shape of belief.
From its chilling prologue—where an immortal guest confronts a treacherous lord—the novel sets its tone with intensity and eloquence. The confrontation ends not with violence alone, but with an unsettling moral lesson:
“Not all rumors are fabrications,” the guest says after surviving an assassination attempt, reinforcing that legends are often born from truth.
He later reflects, “Does your god only fulfill your material desires? Am I not a testament to the superior generosity of Shetani?” establishing a recurring theme: divine power is both a blessing and a blight, depending on who wields it and why.
The story follows Odalig dehn-bal-Ahk, a Shackled Iris—someone born with divine potential but who has yet to accept the terms of the supernatural Bargain. He is not a warrior but a viska, an ideological combatant trained to destabilize enemy cities through rhetoric and manipulation.
His mission is summed up early: “The purpose of words is not to kill but to preserve. However, sometimes the crowd’s a feral beast, and one cannot talk down an angry dog.”
The narrative is full of elegant contrasts like this. Odalig’s eloquence is his weapon, and he uses it to stir dissent among oppressed citizens. His fiery oration in the Hedgeton District is particularly telling:
“No one, not even a king, can wall off the horizon.”
With this line, Odalig turns hope into a weapon, inspiring his audience to revolt without ever mentioning revolution.
Yet Odalig is no clean-cut hero. His demon, visible only at the edge of his vision, whispers condemnations throughout the book:
“Liar. Liar. Liar.”
This omnipresent judgment anchors the reader to Odalig’s inner turmoil—he manipulates others for a supposed greater good, but constantly questions whether he’s any better than the rulers he undermines.
World-building in Bleeding Iris is astonishing in its depth and originality. The city-army of Kana Balerrha—mobile and militant—is a remarkable feat of imagination:
“A child’s impractical concept brought to fruition.”
Its blend of barracks, brothels, and siege weapons paints a picture of a culture always in motion, always at war, always faithful to Shetani. The imagery of “Bleeding Irises”—those who’ve accepted divine power and bear blood-red sclerae—is equal parts beautiful and disturbing, functioning both as literal identifiers and metaphors for spiritual corruption.
Characterization throughout is sharp and layered. Leviticus, the viska mentor, is gifted with the ability to say exactly what people want to hear—but cursed with an inability to feel genuine connection:
“He was incapable of sustaining a relationship. Eternal isolation in exchange for a clever tongue.”
He’s a tragic figure disguised as a charismatic leader, a reminder that divine gifts in this world always come with a price.
Odalig’s love interest, Baldana, a brothel worker from the derelict Trimptan Jans, adds emotional texture to the story. In one intimate moment, she quips:
“Apologizing for sex? What have you done with Odalig, you shapeshifter?”
Her voice grounds Odalig, offering a rare reprieve from the high-stakes world of espionage and war.
One of the most disturbing but important scenes features King Amara’s execution of a pregnant woman—a moment as grotesque as it is thematically vital.
“She raised her chin to give the man a clean target… Blood poured from the opening, a macabre waterfall.”
It is a jarring but pivotal reminder that in the world of Bleeding Iris, mercy and monstrosity often wear the same crown.
While the prose is undeniably rich, the density of invented terms, geography, and political factions may pose a challenge to some readers. A glossary or companion map would assist in navigation without compromising the immersive experience. However, Chisholm manages to ease readers into this complex world with dialogue that feels authentic, and exposition that rarely overreaches.
The ideal reader for Bleeding Iris is a seasoned fantasy fan who enjoys cerebral themes, layered characters, and political allegory. Think readers of R.F. Kuang (The Poppy War), Seth Dickinson (The Traitor Baru Cormorant), or Ken Liu (The Dandelion Dynasty). Those looking for straightforward good vs. evil battles may struggle with the ambiguity, but those who revel in morally grey worlds will find much to savor.
In sum, Bleeding Iris is a fierce, thought-provoking novel that interrogates the nature of belief, identity, and revolution. Its blend of sociopolitical commentary and high fantasy makes it a standout entry in the genre.
“This is not a tale of salvation, but a study in what men are willing to become to justify their gods.”
A quote that encapsulates the heart of this unforgettable book.
From its chilling prologue—where an immortal guest confronts a treacherous lord—the novel sets its tone with intensity and eloquence. The confrontation ends not with violence alone, but with an unsettling moral lesson:
“Not all rumors are fabrications,” the guest says after surviving an assassination attempt, reinforcing that legends are often born from truth.
He later reflects, “Does your god only fulfill your material desires? Am I not a testament to the superior generosity of Shetani?” establishing a recurring theme: divine power is both a blessing and a blight, depending on who wields it and why.
The story follows Odalig dehn-bal-Ahk, a Shackled Iris—someone born with divine potential but who has yet to accept the terms of the supernatural Bargain. He is not a warrior but a viska, an ideological combatant trained to destabilize enemy cities through rhetoric and manipulation.
His mission is summed up early: “The purpose of words is not to kill but to preserve. However, sometimes the crowd’s a feral beast, and one cannot talk down an angry dog.”
The narrative is full of elegant contrasts like this. Odalig’s eloquence is his weapon, and he uses it to stir dissent among oppressed citizens. His fiery oration in the Hedgeton District is particularly telling:
“No one, not even a king, can wall off the horizon.”
With this line, Odalig turns hope into a weapon, inspiring his audience to revolt without ever mentioning revolution.
Yet Odalig is no clean-cut hero. His demon, visible only at the edge of his vision, whispers condemnations throughout the book:
“Liar. Liar. Liar.”
This omnipresent judgment anchors the reader to Odalig’s inner turmoil—he manipulates others for a supposed greater good, but constantly questions whether he’s any better than the rulers he undermines.
World-building in Bleeding Iris is astonishing in its depth and originality. The city-army of Kana Balerrha—mobile and militant—is a remarkable feat of imagination:
“A child’s impractical concept brought to fruition.”
Its blend of barracks, brothels, and siege weapons paints a picture of a culture always in motion, always at war, always faithful to Shetani. The imagery of “Bleeding Irises”—those who’ve accepted divine power and bear blood-red sclerae—is equal parts beautiful and disturbing, functioning both as literal identifiers and metaphors for spiritual corruption.
Characterization throughout is sharp and layered. Leviticus, the viska mentor, is gifted with the ability to say exactly what people want to hear—but cursed with an inability to feel genuine connection:
“He was incapable of sustaining a relationship. Eternal isolation in exchange for a clever tongue.”
He’s a tragic figure disguised as a charismatic leader, a reminder that divine gifts in this world always come with a price.
Odalig’s love interest, Baldana, a brothel worker from the derelict Trimptan Jans, adds emotional texture to the story. In one intimate moment, she quips:
“Apologizing for sex? What have you done with Odalig, you shapeshifter?”
Her voice grounds Odalig, offering a rare reprieve from the high-stakes world of espionage and war.
One of the most disturbing but important scenes features King Amara’s execution of a pregnant woman—a moment as grotesque as it is thematically vital.
“She raised her chin to give the man a clean target… Blood poured from the opening, a macabre waterfall.”
It is a jarring but pivotal reminder that in the world of Bleeding Iris, mercy and monstrosity often wear the same crown.
While the prose is undeniably rich, the density of invented terms, geography, and political factions may pose a challenge to some readers. A glossary or companion map would assist in navigation without compromising the immersive experience. However, Chisholm manages to ease readers into this complex world with dialogue that feels authentic, and exposition that rarely overreaches.
The ideal reader for Bleeding Iris is a seasoned fantasy fan who enjoys cerebral themes, layered characters, and political allegory. Think readers of R.F. Kuang (The Poppy War), Seth Dickinson (The Traitor Baru Cormorant), or Ken Liu (The Dandelion Dynasty). Those looking for straightforward good vs. evil battles may struggle with the ambiguity, but those who revel in morally grey worlds will find much to savor.
In sum, Bleeding Iris is a fierce, thought-provoking novel that interrogates the nature of belief, identity, and revolution. Its blend of sociopolitical commentary and high fantasy makes it a standout entry in the genre.
“This is not a tale of salvation, but a study in what men are willing to become to justify their gods.”
A quote that encapsulates the heart of this unforgettable book.
June 11, 2024
Bleeding Iris is a visually and conceptually strong book; there are several scenes throughout that were just cool to imagine and visualize, from the way the iris' of those who accept their bargains rupture and bleed out, to more specific imagery like a woman dressed in a veil and all-black despite the heat passively pulling the shadows to her as she moves. It's just a cool world to explore, especially seeing the various bargains and their costs, which were often as interesting as the powers themselves. But outside of the world-building aspects, the book struggles.
Its plot is slow to start, requiring roughly forty percent of the book to pass before actually beginning, and when it does begin it fails to build upon itself, simply marching forward without interacting with our main character or allowing him to interact with it in meaningful ways (excluding the one inevitable one.) It ends on a strong note, but simultaneously drops a cavalcade of twists on the reader that almost entirely invalidates the story and any investment they might have formed.
The characters, while solid, suffer from a lack of focus and time. Odalig, our protagonist, is aggressively bland; he is introduced as a professional speaker meant to sow unrest in the cities his king's looking to conquer, and this speaks of a character who uses his words and is eloquent and persuasive and Odalig is allowed to be none of those things. There is not a single scene in the book where his words achieve anything. Then we have his core motivation, which is to rescue his lover Baldana, but all we get are two short scenes between them, and barely anything in those scenes to display attachment, barely anything to help us invest in them: just a throwaway paragraph of backstory. Odalig rarely, if ever, displays genuine heroism, or takes benign actions, or sacrifices, or anything that would help the readers invest in or like him, but by the same note he barely engages in more violent or unpleasant behaviors either. The result is a character without character arch (besides a few scenes of fighting instruction) or a distinctive personality. And again, it's not that he lacks traits or concepts, but they're not, or barely, utilized, and he himself is largely denied agency. The other characters are fine, but struggle from a lack of chemistry with Odalig and a lack of time being spent with them (or lack of opportunities to display their qualities and traits.)
The prose is solid to good; the author has a strong vocabulary but regularly lets it get the best of him, inserting random collegiate-level words into dialogue or sentences where nothing else sounds that academic.
Its plot is slow to start, requiring roughly forty percent of the book to pass before actually beginning, and when it does begin it fails to build upon itself, simply marching forward without interacting with our main character or allowing him to interact with it in meaningful ways (excluding the one inevitable one.) It ends on a strong note, but simultaneously drops a cavalcade of twists on the reader that almost entirely invalidates the story and any investment they might have formed.
The characters, while solid, suffer from a lack of focus and time. Odalig, our protagonist, is aggressively bland; he is introduced as a professional speaker meant to sow unrest in the cities his king's looking to conquer, and this speaks of a character who uses his words and is eloquent and persuasive and Odalig is allowed to be none of those things. There is not a single scene in the book where his words achieve anything. Then we have his core motivation, which is to rescue his lover Baldana, but all we get are two short scenes between them, and barely anything in those scenes to display attachment, barely anything to help us invest in them: just a throwaway paragraph of backstory. Odalig rarely, if ever, displays genuine heroism, or takes benign actions, or sacrifices, or anything that would help the readers invest in or like him, but by the same note he barely engages in more violent or unpleasant behaviors either. The result is a character without character arch (besides a few scenes of fighting instruction) or a distinctive personality. And again, it's not that he lacks traits or concepts, but they're not, or barely, utilized, and he himself is largely denied agency. The other characters are fine, but struggle from a lack of chemistry with Odalig and a lack of time being spent with them (or lack of opportunities to display their qualities and traits.)
The prose is solid to good; the author has a strong vocabulary but regularly lets it get the best of him, inserting random collegiate-level words into dialogue or sentences where nothing else sounds that academic.
July 14, 2024
“Murder? Surely you’re joking. Investigated for murder at noon and back for sex by dusk?”
Hooked yet? You will be. This was such an odd and fascinating read, in a really good way. The story kicks off with a prologue set in the past, introducing us to a world rich in godly magic and strife. A stranger arrives to Lord Braddock's land, and Braddock, like any good tyrant, tries to kill him. But this guy isn't your average rando – he's a vessel of Shetani, a fallen deity, which is bad news for Braddock. We meet a few characters (like Itzal) and themes that will pop up in the next few chapters, but the story immediately jumps 19 years forward to introduce us to our protagonist: Odalig dehn-bal-Ahk.
Odalig is part of the viskas, who have an almost divine way with words, and his job is to stir up trouble. And he's very good at finding trouble, as the quote at the beginning demonstrates. Along the way, we meet a rich cast of supporting characters, from the Anteseer to Baldana, Leviticus, and Zerasha, who help to unravel the complexities of this world.
Admittedly, the complexities of the world (its gods, magic system, and social structure) are why this book lost a star for me. It took a while to really introduce everything, which meant there was a bit of a slow ramp up and a lot of info absorption. And yet, even when I felt like I was wading through a ton of new info, I was still hooked. I had to take frequent breaks throughout the first 28 percent of the book to process and digest, but I tore through it from there. The threads came together beautifully, and it was worth the slow beginning for the wildly twisty journey we readers go on. I really enjoyed the journey, and I thought Chisholm wove one heck of a story. It's dark and haunting and just overall an immersive tale.
And the author exhibits some beautiful and creative prose while maintaining a decently conversational tone along the way. Overall, I recommend this read, just be prepared for a slow start that leads us to a whirlwind of twists worth waiting for.
Hooked yet? You will be. This was such an odd and fascinating read, in a really good way. The story kicks off with a prologue set in the past, introducing us to a world rich in godly magic and strife. A stranger arrives to Lord Braddock's land, and Braddock, like any good tyrant, tries to kill him. But this guy isn't your average rando – he's a vessel of Shetani, a fallen deity, which is bad news for Braddock. We meet a few characters (like Itzal) and themes that will pop up in the next few chapters, but the story immediately jumps 19 years forward to introduce us to our protagonist: Odalig dehn-bal-Ahk.
Odalig is part of the viskas, who have an almost divine way with words, and his job is to stir up trouble. And he's very good at finding trouble, as the quote at the beginning demonstrates. Along the way, we meet a rich cast of supporting characters, from the Anteseer to Baldana, Leviticus, and Zerasha, who help to unravel the complexities of this world.
Admittedly, the complexities of the world (its gods, magic system, and social structure) are why this book lost a star for me. It took a while to really introduce everything, which meant there was a bit of a slow ramp up and a lot of info absorption. And yet, even when I felt like I was wading through a ton of new info, I was still hooked. I had to take frequent breaks throughout the first 28 percent of the book to process and digest, but I tore through it from there. The threads came together beautifully, and it was worth the slow beginning for the wildly twisty journey we readers go on. I really enjoyed the journey, and I thought Chisholm wove one heck of a story. It's dark and haunting and just overall an immersive tale.
And the author exhibits some beautiful and creative prose while maintaining a decently conversational tone along the way. Overall, I recommend this read, just be prepared for a slow start that leads us to a whirlwind of twists worth waiting for.
April 19, 2024
“Bleeding Iris,” by Steven Chisholm is a violent, brutal, and twisty fantasy tale. The MC is Odalig, a 19-year-old who loves Baldana, a prostitute. A “bleeding iris” describes the appearance of a person’s eyes once they have accepted the bargain offered by the fallen god, Shetani.
Odalig, who wants to avenge his mother’s murder, has refused to accept the bargain offered to him. Unlike the others who are offered a valuable gift or power; his offer differs: he is asked to give up his humanity with nothing promised in return. When Odalig is approached by King Amara and declines the king’s suggestion that he accept Shetani’s offer, Odalig fears he will be punished.
After an attempt is made on his life, Odalig encounters a secret group who plot against the king and urge him to join them.
The cover, in red and black, is striking and fitting for the story. The writing is effective with good pacing. The prose is creative and sometimes lovely. For example: The jungle fractured the desert into isolated stages, weaving nonsensical patterns across the terrain like threads in a drunken weaver’s loom. (It would have been even better if a synonym had been used for “weaving.”)
I recommend this book to fans of dark fantasy.
Odalig, who wants to avenge his mother’s murder, has refused to accept the bargain offered to him. Unlike the others who are offered a valuable gift or power; his offer differs: he is asked to give up his humanity with nothing promised in return. When Odalig is approached by King Amara and declines the king’s suggestion that he accept Shetani’s offer, Odalig fears he will be punished.
After an attempt is made on his life, Odalig encounters a secret group who plot against the king and urge him to join them.
The cover, in red and black, is striking and fitting for the story. The writing is effective with good pacing. The prose is creative and sometimes lovely. For example: The jungle fractured the desert into isolated stages, weaving nonsensical patterns across the terrain like threads in a drunken weaver’s loom. (It would have been even better if a synonym had been used for “weaving.”)
I recommend this book to fans of dark fantasy.
June 20, 2025
Kathy Nunn
4:27 PM (1 hour ago)
to me
Bleeding Iris is dark and as the fantasy weaves its way across the pages you are sucked into a world where gods and their playthings interact in unsettling ways. The book is well-written, and Steven Chisholm is a master storyteller who takes you right into the unbelievable with an ease which keeps you there. The characters are an interesting lot, most with all sorts of baggage, and they are complicated and flawed. The concept of a Bleeding Iris is a clever one, but I do not intend to give away any spoilers. Suffice it to say that there are many twists and turns throughout the plot, and just as you feel you understand someone’s motivation, a few words, a glimpse into something previously unknown, changes your perspective. The story has it all: the desire for power, revenge, guilt and responsibility, violence, isolation and discrimination, as well as romance. You find yourself asking what you might give up for desire and whether the characters have made good choices, but the answer is not as simple as it may seem. This is the sort of thing that makes a book really good. Readers who enjoy a story about struggle and living on the edge would enjoy this book.
October 21, 2024
"Bleeding Iris" is an adventurous and action-packed high-fantasy novel that introduces you to a world ravaged by war and ruled by an immortal, tyrannical king named Amara. The narrative centers around Odalig, a man confronted with a perilous proposition from a fallen deity: relinquish his humanity for boundless power. As Odalig navigates his role within a dominating army, he encounters a band of rebels who believe his decision could reshape the destiny of their world. The author masterfully intertwines themes of good vs. evil, rebellion and resistance, and fate vs. choice, prompting contemplation and self-reflection to readers. Odalig’s internal struggle with the divine bargain adds depth and complexity to the story, keeping you hooked. Overall, "Bleeding Iris" presents a novel perspective on familiar fantasy tropes, delving into the consequences of power and the essence of humanity within a brutal, morally ambiguous universe. For those new to high-fantasy or fans of dark, thought-provoking stories, it offers a compelling blend of action, adventure, and moral dilemmas, making it a great starting point for exploring the genre.
December 13, 2024
Bleeding Iris is a interesting and unique dark fantasy novel telling the story of Odalig and his quest to overthrow the oligarchs of his land, with the help of the gods who he has brokered a deal with, one which will cost him immensely. The author has gone to great lengths to introduce a whole mythology in this book, which goes deeper than the lore found in many dark fantasy novels. We are introduced to a whole array of gods, all of which are intriguing and carry their own legacies, and I found this to be an endearing part of this book. The author could take this mythology anyway and really craft a culture within his books.
The writing is graphic and detailed, which helps drive the story and the dark world which has been created. I liked Odalig and his role in using his public speaking skills to sow unrest, and felt the weight of the deal he had reached upon him as a character. His history is complex but makes his character and motivations believable.
The ending opens up the possibility of more being added to this world, and I hope it will be soon. I greatly enjoyed my time with this novel.
The writing is graphic and detailed, which helps drive the story and the dark world which has been created. I liked Odalig and his role in using his public speaking skills to sow unrest, and felt the weight of the deal he had reached upon him as a character. His history is complex but makes his character and motivations believable.
The ending opens up the possibility of more being added to this world, and I hope it will be soon. I greatly enjoyed my time with this novel.
July 12, 2025
This book hooked me from the first few pages with its dark, moody atmosphere and didn’t let go. The writing is sharp and immersive without feeling overdone. I really enjoyed how the story balanced gritty realism with an underlying sense of unease. It’s clear the author knows how to create tension without relying on cheap tricks.
The characters feel three-dimensional and flawed in the best way. Even when I disagreed with their choices, I understood them. That made their arcs much more satisfying. The pacing is also solid. I never felt like the story was dragging or rushing to get somewhere. Each scene felt like it mattered and built naturally toward the conclusion.
One thing I especially appreciated was the attention to detail in the setting. This is a fully fleshed-out world, and it’s easy to see and feel where these characters live. The dialogue also felt real, with the right balance of subtlety and emotional punch.
Overall, Bleeding Iris was one of those books that I didn’t want to end. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime, noir, or just well-written, atmospheric fiction. It’s worth every penny.
The characters feel three-dimensional and flawed in the best way. Even when I disagreed with their choices, I understood them. That made their arcs much more satisfying. The pacing is also solid. I never felt like the story was dragging or rushing to get somewhere. Each scene felt like it mattered and built naturally toward the conclusion.
One thing I especially appreciated was the attention to detail in the setting. This is a fully fleshed-out world, and it’s easy to see and feel where these characters live. The dialogue also felt real, with the right balance of subtlety and emotional punch.
Overall, Bleeding Iris was one of those books that I didn’t want to end. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime, noir, or just well-written, atmospheric fiction. It’s worth every penny.
September 2, 2024
Engaging fantasy novel that takes you on a thrilling journey through a war-torn world ruled by gods and kings. The story centers around Odalig, a young man who has been offered a strange and dangerous bargain by a fallen god - to give up his humanity in order to gain immense power and influence. As Odalig navigates his role in a conquering army, he encounters a group of rebels who believe his choice could change the fate of their world. The author skillfully weaves together themes of power, sacrifice, and morality, making you question what you, as a reader, would do in Odalig’s place. The pacing starts slowly as the complex world is introduced, but the story quickly gains momentum, leading to unexpected twists and a gripping conclusion. Overall, the book offers a fresh take on familiar fantasy themes, exploring the costs of power and the nature of humanity in a violent, morally complex universe. Those who enjoy dark fantasy with thought-provoking themes will find much to appreciate in this novel.
May 29, 2024
This book is a riveting tale that explores the age-old dilemma of power versus humanity. Set in a world where gods offer bargains in exchange for power, the protagonist, Odalig, finds himself caught in a web of intrigue and rebellion.
Chisholm's storytelling prowess shines through in this well-written narrative. The plot is intricately woven, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. Each twist and turn adds depth to the story, making it impossible to put down.
One aspect that stands out is the formatting of the book, especially in its Kindle edition. The seamless transition between chapters and the crisp layout enhance the reading experience, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the world of "Bleeding Iris."
Overall, this book is a captivating read that will leave readers pondering long after they've turned the final page. With its well-crafted prose, engaging plot, and thought-provoking themes, it’s a must-read for fans of fantasy and intrigue alike.
Chisholm's storytelling prowess shines through in this well-written narrative. The plot is intricately woven, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. Each twist and turn adds depth to the story, making it impossible to put down.
One aspect that stands out is the formatting of the book, especially in its Kindle edition. The seamless transition between chapters and the crisp layout enhance the reading experience, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the world of "Bleeding Iris."
Overall, this book is a captivating read that will leave readers pondering long after they've turned the final page. With its well-crafted prose, engaging plot, and thought-provoking themes, it’s a must-read for fans of fantasy and intrigue alike.
June 9, 2025
Bleeding Iris is a dark, immersive high-fantasy novel that explores the cost of power and the fragility of humanity. Set in a war-torn world ruled by the immortal tyrant Amara, the story follows Odalig, a conflicted soldier offered divine power in exchange for his humanity. As he grapples with this dangerous bargain, Odalig becomes entangled in a rebellion that could reshape the fate of the realm. Chisholm constructs a morally complex universe, where alliances are fluid, and no character is purely good or evil. The novel’s rich political intrigue, layered mythology, and unique magic system offer a fresh take on classic fantasy tropes. Though the first half is dense with exposition, it sets the foundation for a thrilling, twist-filled second act. With elegant prose, compelling characters, and an unpredictable plot, Bleeding Iris is a rewarding read for fans of philosophical, action-driven fantasy—and promises much for future instalments.
August 24, 2025
Bleeding Iris is a dark fantasy that pulls you into a world of gods, bargains, and revolution. Steven Chisholm’s prose is vivid and atmospheric, painting a society where every gift of power comes at a terrible cost. The central character, Odalig, is compelling because of his refusal to accept Shetani’s bargain, giving up humanity for nothing in return. His inner conflict, along with his role as a manipulator of words rather than swords, makes for a unique protagonist.
The pacing starts slowly, with a lot of detail in the world-building, but once the rebellion storyline takes shape, the plot sharpens and becomes difficult to put down. The relationships, especially between Odalig and Baldana, add emotional weight amid the political unrest.
This is not a light or straightforward fantasy. It’s morally gray, full of twists, and asks deep questions about belief and sacrifice. A strong debut that fans of grim, philosophical fantasy will appreciate.
The pacing starts slowly, with a lot of detail in the world-building, but once the rebellion storyline takes shape, the plot sharpens and becomes difficult to put down. The relationships, especially between Odalig and Baldana, add emotional weight amid the political unrest.
This is not a light or straightforward fantasy. It’s morally gray, full of twists, and asks deep questions about belief and sacrifice. A strong debut that fans of grim, philosophical fantasy will appreciate.
June 1, 2024
"He thought he'd already been picked clean of hope, but the sight of this insatiable beast... consumed that little bit that remained tucked away." Our protagonist... although I don't know if I'd use that word for him, Odalig, is tortured by the ghosts of his past but unwilling to strike a deal with the phantoms of his future. It took me a few chapters to realize that another story was being told alongside this one and when I realized it, I thought that was insanely cool. I'm used to seeing quotes at the start of chapters but I don't think I've seen sections of like a myth to start them. This is a dark and savage tale, perfect for fans of dark fantasy and old gods. I kind of buried myself in this book and didn't come up for a breath until reaching the epilogue. I really hope there's another book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I hope to see more from this author in the future.
July 5, 2024
Come for the interesting magic system. Stay for the drama.
I will admit that I wasn’t instantly hooked, but I am anxiously awaiting the next book. Like any good roller coaster, the first hill builds the anticipation for the dramatic end.
Because of the unique magic system and political background that needs to be laid out, the first half of the book is a lot of information that is thrown at the reader. At the beginning you aren’t really sure which character you are supposed to be rooting for as everything exists in a morally grey world. Just when you think you understand what is going on, a new twist appears and the story heads down a completely different path. Fair warning, this isn’t the type of book you can put down at the end of a chapter.
The family dynamics amongst the gods gives off Greek/Roman/Egyptian mythology vibes and I hope that the author digs into that more in the subsequent books.
I will admit that I wasn’t instantly hooked, but I am anxiously awaiting the next book. Like any good roller coaster, the first hill builds the anticipation for the dramatic end.
Because of the unique magic system and political background that needs to be laid out, the first half of the book is a lot of information that is thrown at the reader. At the beginning you aren’t really sure which character you are supposed to be rooting for as everything exists in a morally grey world. Just when you think you understand what is going on, a new twist appears and the story heads down a completely different path. Fair warning, this isn’t the type of book you can put down at the end of a chapter.
The family dynamics amongst the gods gives off Greek/Roman/Egyptian mythology vibes and I hope that the author digs into that more in the subsequent books.
September 12, 2024
Bleeding Iris is a deep excursion into a rich and complex world of intrigue, replete with plot swerves that come on you suddenly, without warning, keeping the narrative fresh. Chisholm masterfully weaves a tale that draws the reader into a world of political intrigue, involving a multilayered plot to kill an immortal god/king. The characters are believable, and truly self motivated. There is not a single weak one among them. From the beginning, I could not put it down. By the end, I found myself wanting more. I hope that there is a sequel coming soon.
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