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Pax Terminus #1
Splinters of Heaven
Souls fuel the Empire, magic arms the legions, and the end is always coming. The cycle has repeated for millennia: heroes rise, cataclysms are delayed, civilization survives another generation. But every salvation comes at a cost…and the bill is overdue.
Syl is a battle-worn Vigil Hunter whose faith in the Empire and in his own revenge begins to fracture after an unexpected act of mercy. His job might be to ask questions, but there are some answers that he should know better than to pursue.
Vali is a young soldier from the provinces hungry to prove himself in a system that barely sees him as one of their own. Becoming a hero of the Empire will cost him more than the stories promised, but what hero would be dissuaded by that?
Darya is a survivor from the frozen wastes, caught between desperate tribes pushing south and an Empire that suffers no encroachment. Sent on a mission to find new allies, she discovers something far older stirring within her and realizes survival may demand she become something else entirely.
When a new Riftgate tears open in the north, they must each decide what they’re willing to become to change their world—breaking it free of its endless cycles, or damning it forever.
A necro-industrial dark fantasy for fans of The First Law, The Black Company, and The Witcher.
Syl is a battle-worn Vigil Hunter whose faith in the Empire and in his own revenge begins to fracture after an unexpected act of mercy. His job might be to ask questions, but there are some answers that he should know better than to pursue.
Vali is a young soldier from the provinces hungry to prove himself in a system that barely sees him as one of their own. Becoming a hero of the Empire will cost him more than the stories promised, but what hero would be dissuaded by that?
Darya is a survivor from the frozen wastes, caught between desperate tribes pushing south and an Empire that suffers no encroachment. Sent on a mission to find new allies, she discovers something far older stirring within her and realizes survival may demand she become something else entirely.
When a new Riftgate tears open in the north, they must each decide what they’re willing to become to change their world—breaking it free of its endless cycles, or damning it forever.
A necro-industrial dark fantasy for fans of The First Law, The Black Company, and The Witcher.
- GenresFantasyDark Fantasy
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2026
6 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Theo Tsirigotis
1 book6 followersTheo Tsirigotis is the author of the Pax Terminus series.
Before that, he served in the 75th Ranger Regiment and as a Green Beret captain. He now lives in Austin, Texas.
Splinters of Heaven is his debut novel. Find out more, see upcoming work, and get a free prequel novella (coming May 2026) at https://www.theotsirigotis.com.
Before that, he served in the 75th Ranger Regiment and as a Green Beret captain. He now lives in Austin, Texas.
Splinters of Heaven is his debut novel. Find out more, see upcoming work, and get a free prequel novella (coming May 2026) at https://www.theotsirigotis.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 1, 2026
4/5 stars ✨
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
Splinters of Heaven is a slow paced, but rewarding, adventure through a world constantly torn asunder by humanity-induced cataclysms.
With deep character development, lots of action, and multiple introspective moments, this book is as much a fantasy as it is a reflection on what it means to do the right thing in a world with limited choices. I felt deeply attached to the the characters and was especially moved by Syl’s journey.
As another reviewer noted, the plot often felt lost in the mix of POVs and the world building could be better fleshed out to really drive the impact of the characters’ arcs.
All said and done, this was a strong debut and I look forward to reading more about the lore behind the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
Splinters of Heaven is a slow paced, but rewarding, adventure through a world constantly torn asunder by humanity-induced cataclysms.
With deep character development, lots of action, and multiple introspective moments, this book is as much a fantasy as it is a reflection on what it means to do the right thing in a world with limited choices. I felt deeply attached to the the characters and was especially moved by Syl’s journey.
As another reviewer noted, the plot often felt lost in the mix of POVs and the world building could be better fleshed out to really drive the impact of the characters’ arcs.
All said and done, this was a strong debut and I look forward to reading more about the lore behind the story.
January 28, 2026
Splinters of Heaven is a solid and intriguing introduction to the world of Pax Terminus. With expansive worldbuilding geared towards dark fantasy, there is so much to be explored within this book, and so much I am excited to see explored in future installments.
-Worldbuilding/Magic
The Empire looms as a monolith, with details being revealed through the book, at plot relevant points. The magic system is largely left up to mystery, save for sparse explanations of abilities relevant to protagonists and antagonists. Out of the worldbuilding and magic concepts presented, I think this is a solid foundation for the continuation of the series and did a good job of building intrigue, especially towards the latter half of the novel.
-Plot/Pacing
The first two thirds of the book almost feel entirely different than the last third. Overall, the first two thirds feel like an extended introduction that doesn’t leave the reader with a ton of clues as to what the plot is building up to. I think the first two thirds would have benefitted from more worldbuilding/magic details added to slowly give context to the relevance of the plot progression. However, the last third is where the narrative really shines. The combat sequences throughout the book are written brilliantly, with the best of them showcased at the end. The narrative is woven together quite satisfyingly and yet leaves the reader wanting more answers from the next installment.
-Character Work
Out of the POVs present in the novel, Syl’s POV feels like it takes the most precedence to the importance of the story, and feels like it has the most attention to detail. Darya and Vali certainly seem like characters that have potential for some great development in future installments. I think the particular emphasis on the ethics, or lack thereof, of the work Syl and others carry out, along with their emotional responses to it, is one of the most fascinating parts of this book. It often offers insight when worldbuilding or magic details are not revealed within the narrative, creating an interesting balance that draws the reader in.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I think the world of Pax Terminus has a great deal of potential. The prose in this novel was extremely well written, and I think the themes explored along with the worldbuilding/magic presented are fascinating. I look forward to the next installment!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this Advanced Review Copy.
-Worldbuilding/Magic
The Empire looms as a monolith, with details being revealed through the book, at plot relevant points. The magic system is largely left up to mystery, save for sparse explanations of abilities relevant to protagonists and antagonists. Out of the worldbuilding and magic concepts presented, I think this is a solid foundation for the continuation of the series and did a good job of building intrigue, especially towards the latter half of the novel.
-Plot/Pacing
The first two thirds of the book almost feel entirely different than the last third. Overall, the first two thirds feel like an extended introduction that doesn’t leave the reader with a ton of clues as to what the plot is building up to. I think the first two thirds would have benefitted from more worldbuilding/magic details added to slowly give context to the relevance of the plot progression. However, the last third is where the narrative really shines. The combat sequences throughout the book are written brilliantly, with the best of them showcased at the end. The narrative is woven together quite satisfyingly and yet leaves the reader wanting more answers from the next installment.
-Character Work
Out of the POVs present in the novel, Syl’s POV feels like it takes the most precedence to the importance of the story, and feels like it has the most attention to detail. Darya and Vali certainly seem like characters that have potential for some great development in future installments. I think the particular emphasis on the ethics, or lack thereof, of the work Syl and others carry out, along with their emotional responses to it, is one of the most fascinating parts of this book. It often offers insight when worldbuilding or magic details are not revealed within the narrative, creating an interesting balance that draws the reader in.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I think the world of Pax Terminus has a great deal of potential. The prose in this novel was extremely well written, and I think the themes explored along with the worldbuilding/magic presented are fascinating. I look forward to the next installment!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this Advanced Review Copy.
February 1, 2026
ARC Review
The empire is going down. With betrayal going deeper than you could ever imagine, and characters left with impossible choices. A side has to be chosen, or be doomed with the wrong choices.
If you love dark fantasy Theo Tsirigotis is someone you should have on your radar.
Splinters of Heaven is the first book in Pax Terminus series, with a novella also coming in not to long.
I really had a great time reading different povs that you will root with and feel with in this amazing world, rather that just following along. You will follow Syl, Darya and, Vali. Where Vali started as a favorite in the first half, and Darya switched over to be my finish favorite in the second half. But all 3 characters are amazing, with their characters growth and dealing with impossible choices and see where their choices gets them.
You are gonna have a fantastic time in Theo's world. With incredible deep lore and worldbuilding, relatable characters, and a badass magic system.
The end is what really sets the tone on how next book in this world will be, and I can't wait!
Coming out February 7th
The empire is going down. With betrayal going deeper than you could ever imagine, and characters left with impossible choices. A side has to be chosen, or be doomed with the wrong choices.
If you love dark fantasy Theo Tsirigotis is someone you should have on your radar.
Splinters of Heaven is the first book in Pax Terminus series, with a novella also coming in not to long.
I really had a great time reading different povs that you will root with and feel with in this amazing world, rather that just following along. You will follow Syl, Darya and, Vali. Where Vali started as a favorite in the first half, and Darya switched over to be my finish favorite in the second half. But all 3 characters are amazing, with their characters growth and dealing with impossible choices and see where their choices gets them.
You are gonna have a fantastic time in Theo's world. With incredible deep lore and worldbuilding, relatable characters, and a badass magic system.
The end is what really sets the tone on how next book in this world will be, and I can't wait!
Coming out February 7th
February 7, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley for this book.
I will say that I dived too strong into this one, and maybe I crashed a bit.
The genre is Dark Fantasy for everyone thinking it is just fantasy, and has a strong Military subgenre, a lot of blood and death by natural or justice justification, the first part we get to start knowing about the magic systems, though I think we should be seeing more about it in the next book, and although there's a bit of chaos in the beginning of the stories, everything flows nicely to the middle and final parts.
It's very interesting the many details we get into the aspects of every point of view and well, you wouldn't want to miss it!
Quite well written although I kind of feel betrayed as it was another genre and not fantasy as proposed, the change is good and gives you a very nice journey through.
thanks.
I will say that I dived too strong into this one, and maybe I crashed a bit.
The genre is Dark Fantasy for everyone thinking it is just fantasy, and has a strong Military subgenre, a lot of blood and death by natural or justice justification, the first part we get to start knowing about the magic systems, though I think we should be seeing more about it in the next book, and although there's a bit of chaos in the beginning of the stories, everything flows nicely to the middle and final parts.
It's very interesting the many details we get into the aspects of every point of view and well, you wouldn't want to miss it!
Quite well written although I kind of feel betrayed as it was another genre and not fantasy as proposed, the change is good and gives you a very nice journey through.
thanks.
January 20, 2026
Splinters of Heaven is a gritty, character fantasy by Theo Tririgotis that fans of Joe Abercrombie should lap up.
This was intense, it was dark, and it was impressive. I wasn't sure where the story was going to go from the start but by the end it proved to be deeply emotional, full of consequence and an enjoyable (for lack of a better word) read.
This was intense, it was dark, and it was impressive. I wasn't sure where the story was going to go from the start but by the end it proved to be deeply emotional, full of consequence and an enjoyable (for lack of a better word) read.
January 28, 2026
Read this review and more on my Medium page: Distorted Visions
Score: 3.5/5
Since this is an ARC, the review aims to be as Spoiler-free as possible.
The debut novel of author Theo Tsirigotis, Splinters of Heaven is a gritty, nigh-grimdark foray, with plenty of brutality, betrayal, and dark fantasy rift magic shenanigans!
Kicking off the Pax Terminus series, Splinters of Heaven is a character-driven, post-technological, dark fantasy tale. With a setting the author dubs as “necro-industrial”, the world has subtle nods to a post-apocalyptic future world which has reverted to magical tendencies (like Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire trilogy). The central core of characters, the Vigil Hunter Rift-enhanced templar/hunter Syl is the Empire’s sharpened blade, hunting down errant magic users in the empire. These magic users, the Stained, channel the Rift, thereby hastening new cycles of catastrophic world-breaking events. Along with Syl, Vali is a nobility-spawned soldier, willing to do whatever it takes to attain glory for himself and his family. Rounding out the central POV characters is Darya, finding herself on the other side of the battle against the Empire.
The setup and world of Splinters of Heaven is not the most groundbreaking, especially for those of us deeply steeped in the genre. However, Tsirigotis draws us in with his tight, well-crafted prose and extremely solid character work. For a debut offering, his work with the characters, their motivations internal and external conflicts, and agency with the world feel believable, have depth, and feel rewarding in their progression. A sticking point where most authors stumble in their early works, Tsirigotis writes with a heft of a much more seasoned writer. The story proceeds at a quick clip, especially in the opening chapters, successfully grabbing my attention and maintaining it even through the inevitable third-act slowdown.
Splinters of Heaven is a character-driven book, doing what it does best in the gritty fantasy subgenre, pushing the focus right in the faces of our core trio of characters, making us feel their anguish, their pithy victories, and their cutting defeats. Tsirigotis excels at writing these sections, with plenty of violent action setpieces, and plenty of twists and turns, which feel both surprising yet believable. However, with such a deep focus on character work, the other aspects of a well-rounded dark fantasy novel fall to the wayside. The worldbuilding, while not completely vacuous, does feel thin at times, with new aspects being dripfed more to push the characters along, rather than be a setting. In this vein, the scale is smaller, and those expected an “epic” dark fantasy may be disappointed.
The biggest aspect holding Splinters of Heaven from being a near-slamdunk debut is the absence of a defined plot. While the exposition in the final chapters do open up a larger story, a major chunk of the story feels like the characters pushed along from one checkpoint to another. The pacing also has some questionable editing choices, with characters seemingly jumping past travel and even conflict sections, which leads me to believe that there was an overzealous editing blade involved. The final chapters with major leaps in narrative also feel a bit over-rushed, especially with a slower third act, which also points less towards the author's drafting, but a brutal editor.
Though better than many (daresay most) debut offerings I have reviewed recently, Tsirigotis does struggle with maintaining a distinct “voice” to his characters. In particular, Syl and Vali flatten into very similar archetypes for large chunks of their arcs. With an overarching sense of bleak misery, constant woolgathering and questioning their own morals and purpose, Syl, Vali, and even Darya do begin to resemble each other, giving a similar feeling to all the chapters, with each of them pushed through their own version of the dark fantasy meatgrinder. I sincerely hope that Tsirigotis allows the characters to evolve differently and show different, distinct archetypical qualities in the sequels.
With Splinters of Heaven, we have a very strong debut. A strong case of character-driven gritty fantasy, Pax Terminus is off to a promising start. With an added emphasis on distinct character voices, a larger focus on an overarching plot and a more fleshed out world, this trilogy could bloom into the bloody treat the grim and dark among us are thirsting for.
Advanced Review Copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to author Theo Tsirigotis, Victory Editing, and NetGalley
Score: 3.5/5
Since this is an ARC, the review aims to be as Spoiler-free as possible.
The debut novel of author Theo Tsirigotis, Splinters of Heaven is a gritty, nigh-grimdark foray, with plenty of brutality, betrayal, and dark fantasy rift magic shenanigans!
Kicking off the Pax Terminus series, Splinters of Heaven is a character-driven, post-technological, dark fantasy tale. With a setting the author dubs as “necro-industrial”, the world has subtle nods to a post-apocalyptic future world which has reverted to magical tendencies (like Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire trilogy). The central core of characters, the Vigil Hunter Rift-enhanced templar/hunter Syl is the Empire’s sharpened blade, hunting down errant magic users in the empire. These magic users, the Stained, channel the Rift, thereby hastening new cycles of catastrophic world-breaking events. Along with Syl, Vali is a nobility-spawned soldier, willing to do whatever it takes to attain glory for himself and his family. Rounding out the central POV characters is Darya, finding herself on the other side of the battle against the Empire.
The setup and world of Splinters of Heaven is not the most groundbreaking, especially for those of us deeply steeped in the genre. However, Tsirigotis draws us in with his tight, well-crafted prose and extremely solid character work. For a debut offering, his work with the characters, their motivations internal and external conflicts, and agency with the world feel believable, have depth, and feel rewarding in their progression. A sticking point where most authors stumble in their early works, Tsirigotis writes with a heft of a much more seasoned writer. The story proceeds at a quick clip, especially in the opening chapters, successfully grabbing my attention and maintaining it even through the inevitable third-act slowdown.
Splinters of Heaven is a character-driven book, doing what it does best in the gritty fantasy subgenre, pushing the focus right in the faces of our core trio of characters, making us feel their anguish, their pithy victories, and their cutting defeats. Tsirigotis excels at writing these sections, with plenty of violent action setpieces, and plenty of twists and turns, which feel both surprising yet believable. However, with such a deep focus on character work, the other aspects of a well-rounded dark fantasy novel fall to the wayside. The worldbuilding, while not completely vacuous, does feel thin at times, with new aspects being dripfed more to push the characters along, rather than be a setting. In this vein, the scale is smaller, and those expected an “epic” dark fantasy may be disappointed.
The biggest aspect holding Splinters of Heaven from being a near-slamdunk debut is the absence of a defined plot. While the exposition in the final chapters do open up a larger story, a major chunk of the story feels like the characters pushed along from one checkpoint to another. The pacing also has some questionable editing choices, with characters seemingly jumping past travel and even conflict sections, which leads me to believe that there was an overzealous editing blade involved. The final chapters with major leaps in narrative also feel a bit over-rushed, especially with a slower third act, which also points less towards the author's drafting, but a brutal editor.
Though better than many (daresay most) debut offerings I have reviewed recently, Tsirigotis does struggle with maintaining a distinct “voice” to his characters. In particular, Syl and Vali flatten into very similar archetypes for large chunks of their arcs. With an overarching sense of bleak misery, constant woolgathering and questioning their own morals and purpose, Syl, Vali, and even Darya do begin to resemble each other, giving a similar feeling to all the chapters, with each of them pushed through their own version of the dark fantasy meatgrinder. I sincerely hope that Tsirigotis allows the characters to evolve differently and show different, distinct archetypical qualities in the sequels.
With Splinters of Heaven, we have a very strong debut. A strong case of character-driven gritty fantasy, Pax Terminus is off to a promising start. With an added emphasis on distinct character voices, a larger focus on an overarching plot and a more fleshed out world, this trilogy could bloom into the bloody treat the grim and dark among us are thirsting for.
Advanced Review Copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to author Theo Tsirigotis, Victory Editing, and NetGalley
February 12, 2026
„Run through your memories often enough, and they became dreamlike. But even if they lost their edges with time, those dream-memories inevitably returned, heavier with guilt and more expansive with the knowledge of every path not taken, ready to crush him.“
I enjoyed the book ALOT, being a massive Grimdark fan and reading some different genres the last few months,i was skeptical when i saw the book on my Instagram Timeline,and being advertised with „if you enjoy Glen Cook…“ since i am very picky about Grimdark since i enjoy it the most but, the book instantly made me feel home again, a gritty dark world where hope is nothing but a rare flickering light,Struggling Characters both with themselfs and the world,Moraly grey decisions,an Oppressive Force (are they good or bad?),dark mysterious foes,yes i was home again.
We follow 3 PoVs:
Syl who is a Oath Knight with a dark past that flashes up and is trying to eat him from the inside,and he tries to burry it with every new Fight.(Liked this PoV the most)
Vali who is a son of a lord,wants to do everything to prove himself to become an Elite Warrior an Oath Knight,a legend. He dosnt shy away to let the reader (and those around him) know he is a noble and starts very whiny.
Darya is the daughter of a tribe leader, with her start of the story you are throwin into a very dark place,because her first few moments are already very straight forward of pure heavy metal hitting moments.
The book is Chracter driven (the Worldbuilding is still good a bit dense not fully fleshed out into little details but i enjoyed it alot,maybe just because it hit the very right spots i like)but the Characters (in particular Syl) were amazingly written,as an Example:
There was a moment where the exarch spoke with syl about his purpose,it was very powerful written and you could read the intensity and power disbalance between the two while still being subtle,it couldve very easily drift into the „i am the Exarch and you are just a replaceable oath knight“but it didnt, it showed the disbalance in a very dark powerful but still lovely „Father Son“ exchange.
The magic system is for me a very interesting one, Strong magical Rifts, Stained ones who were touched by Souls and gain Magical Power,Bondmages who are there to sense the Rifts and the Stained ones and identify where those are, Healers, Conduits, the magic system itself already showed glimpses of its power and the costs to use it.
The book can slow down at moments,but again despite me being not the biggest enjoyer of „slowburn“ books, it didnt bother me here,it can be that because i was back into a bookgenre that i loved,that it didnt bother me,so you should know that it isnt only a pedal to the metal book,it also takes it time.
Not going deeper to not spoil anything (which is hard since i really want to say more so anyone reading this review and might be on the fence like i was would give this book the chance it deserves),but i am very happy i did and i cant wait for the next book,which i already saw on the Authors website will be a prequel.
I enjoyed the book so much,despite reading it on Kindle Unlimited,i ordered a Physical Version to support the Author so i can read more books!
I enjoyed the book ALOT, being a massive Grimdark fan and reading some different genres the last few months,i was skeptical when i saw the book on my Instagram Timeline,and being advertised with „if you enjoy Glen Cook…“ since i am very picky about Grimdark since i enjoy it the most but, the book instantly made me feel home again, a gritty dark world where hope is nothing but a rare flickering light,Struggling Characters both with themselfs and the world,Moraly grey decisions,an Oppressive Force (are they good or bad?),dark mysterious foes,yes i was home again.
We follow 3 PoVs:
Syl who is a Oath Knight with a dark past that flashes up and is trying to eat him from the inside,and he tries to burry it with every new Fight.(Liked this PoV the most)
Vali who is a son of a lord,wants to do everything to prove himself to become an Elite Warrior an Oath Knight,a legend. He dosnt shy away to let the reader (and those around him) know he is a noble and starts very whiny.
Darya is the daughter of a tribe leader, with her start of the story you are throwin into a very dark place,because her first few moments are already very straight forward of pure heavy metal hitting moments.
The book is Chracter driven (the Worldbuilding is still good a bit dense not fully fleshed out into little details but i enjoyed it alot,maybe just because it hit the very right spots i like)but the Characters (in particular Syl) were amazingly written,as an Example:
There was a moment where the exarch spoke with syl about his purpose,it was very powerful written and you could read the intensity and power disbalance between the two while still being subtle,it couldve very easily drift into the „i am the Exarch and you are just a replaceable oath knight“but it didnt, it showed the disbalance in a very dark powerful but still lovely „Father Son“ exchange.
The magic system is for me a very interesting one, Strong magical Rifts, Stained ones who were touched by Souls and gain Magical Power,Bondmages who are there to sense the Rifts and the Stained ones and identify where those are, Healers, Conduits, the magic system itself already showed glimpses of its power and the costs to use it.
The book can slow down at moments,but again despite me being not the biggest enjoyer of „slowburn“ books, it didnt bother me here,it can be that because i was back into a bookgenre that i loved,that it didnt bother me,so you should know that it isnt only a pedal to the metal book,it also takes it time.
Not going deeper to not spoil anything (which is hard since i really want to say more so anyone reading this review and might be on the fence like i was would give this book the chance it deserves),but i am very happy i did and i cant wait for the next book,which i already saw on the Authors website will be a prequel.
I enjoyed the book so much,despite reading it on Kindle Unlimited,i ordered a Physical Version to support the Author so i can read more books!
January 31, 2026
If you like your fantasy grimy, brutal, and morally uncomfortable, have I got a book for you: Splinters of Heaven. Is it worth your time? Absolutely! This book does not warm you up or ease you in. It drops you straight into a world that already feels half broken and expects you to keep up.
The setting is heavy in the best way. Most of the story takes place in Getacia, a cold northern province full of old wars, ruined cities, and unrest that never quite settles. Humanity is living under the constant threat of another cataclysm, and that fear bleeds into everything. There are terrifying biomechanical monsters, remnants of ancient technology, and an empire holding things together through force more than faith.
We follow three different points of view. Syl is a veteran Oathknight working for the Vigil, tired and worn down but still pushing forward out of duty. Vali is young and ambitious, desperate to prove himself and blind in ways that made me nervous. Darya is a survivor from the Thousand Tribes, caught in brutal internal politics where weakness is not forgiven. I liked that each perspective added tension instead of comfort.
The action and pacing were spot on. The combat is tactical and messy. Fights feel chaotic and exhausting. There's always a feeling that things can go wrong at any moment. The magic system reinforces that. Power always comes at a cost. Oathknights burn through their stamina and damage the conduits they rely on. At the same time, the Stained wield dangerous energy that terrifies the empire enough to justify horrible choices.
One of the many things that gave me pause is how willing this book is to sit in moral gray areas. The Vigil maintains order through fear, torture, and execution, believing it is the only way to prevent another world-ending disaster. I kept going back and forth between understanding their reasoning and being deeply uncomfortable with it. It was one of the many things I loved about this read.
If you enjoy military fantasy that is dark, thoughtful, and unafraid to make you question who the good guys really are, this is a strong start to the Pax Terminus trilogy. Brutal, intelligent, and unsettling in all the right ways. A great read in a world I definitely plan to visit again as the adventure continues.
ARC provided by Hollow Crown Press through NetGalley. Many thanks for the early copy.
The setting is heavy in the best way. Most of the story takes place in Getacia, a cold northern province full of old wars, ruined cities, and unrest that never quite settles. Humanity is living under the constant threat of another cataclysm, and that fear bleeds into everything. There are terrifying biomechanical monsters, remnants of ancient technology, and an empire holding things together through force more than faith.
We follow three different points of view. Syl is a veteran Oathknight working for the Vigil, tired and worn down but still pushing forward out of duty. Vali is young and ambitious, desperate to prove himself and blind in ways that made me nervous. Darya is a survivor from the Thousand Tribes, caught in brutal internal politics where weakness is not forgiven. I liked that each perspective added tension instead of comfort.
The action and pacing were spot on. The combat is tactical and messy. Fights feel chaotic and exhausting. There's always a feeling that things can go wrong at any moment. The magic system reinforces that. Power always comes at a cost. Oathknights burn through their stamina and damage the conduits they rely on. At the same time, the Stained wield dangerous energy that terrifies the empire enough to justify horrible choices.
One of the many things that gave me pause is how willing this book is to sit in moral gray areas. The Vigil maintains order through fear, torture, and execution, believing it is the only way to prevent another world-ending disaster. I kept going back and forth between understanding their reasoning and being deeply uncomfortable with it. It was one of the many things I loved about this read.
If you enjoy military fantasy that is dark, thoughtful, and unafraid to make you question who the good guys really are, this is a strong start to the Pax Terminus trilogy. Brutal, intelligent, and unsettling in all the right ways. A great read in a world I definitely plan to visit again as the adventure continues.
ARC provided by Hollow Crown Press through NetGalley. Many thanks for the early copy.
January 27, 2026
3.5 stars.
Splinters of Heaven promises the grit of an Abercrombie novel---it was an auspicious claim that, for me, fell short. I'm used to our characters being absolutely demolished (emotionally but also physically, like....there's gonna be a *lot* of blood) and having to suffer through several bouts of sacrifice. This world was bleak, but I wasn't sold on how harsh it was. I honestly think that was the purpose of Darya's character but it didn't hit home for me. When we do get a "big" sacrifice, it was something I wasn't emotionally invested in at all. I was honestly surprised that it affected a character so strongly. The dynamic that was attempted there was noooot very strong. It felt like an afterthought addition to give the sacrifice some heft.
The novel *does* start really strong. I was gladly hooked for the first half of the book. The setting is post-apocalyptic after an era of advanced technology. It took me a little bit to grasp that. I was under the assumption that we were working with a world that happened after the destruction of our own. It's actually post apocalypse after cyberpunk-esque world. It's closer to vague on the Emperor, Fallen, Chosen and Gods, but that will probably reveal itself more in later books. At least I hope so!
When I hit the 60% mark things started to slow down badly for me. There was action, but not enough to drive anything forward. The best example I can think of is the first time we get to meet Ironspawn. We're met with: cut to black, scene change, wait to get back to those characters, but when we do come back--- suddenly we're farther along. We just have to assume everyone was successful and all is well. The scene was done before it even got started. When we don't get to engage with the action it's just spinning tires at that point. It DID pick back up around 84%, but trying to keep my interest for over 20% felt like a chore and led me to listing it for 3.5 stars.
As a debut, this really is a great start. It's a hefty genre to tackle and it was done with multiple povs. It already has fans and I think more experience will only work wonders for the development of the series!
A big thank you to Tsirigotis and Book Sirens for granting me an ARC. I was stoked to read it.
Splinters of Heaven promises the grit of an Abercrombie novel---it was an auspicious claim that, for me, fell short. I'm used to our characters being absolutely demolished (emotionally but also physically, like....there's gonna be a *lot* of blood) and having to suffer through several bouts of sacrifice. This world was bleak, but I wasn't sold on how harsh it was. I honestly think that was the purpose of Darya's character but it didn't hit home for me. When we do get a "big" sacrifice, it was something I wasn't emotionally invested in at all. I was honestly surprised that it affected a character so strongly. The dynamic that was attempted there was noooot very strong. It felt like an afterthought addition to give the sacrifice some heft.
The novel *does* start really strong. I was gladly hooked for the first half of the book. The setting is post-apocalyptic after an era of advanced technology. It took me a little bit to grasp that. I was under the assumption that we were working with a world that happened after the destruction of our own. It's actually post apocalypse after cyberpunk-esque world. It's closer to vague on the Emperor, Fallen, Chosen and Gods, but that will probably reveal itself more in later books. At least I hope so!
When I hit the 60% mark things started to slow down badly for me. There was action, but not enough to drive anything forward. The best example I can think of is the first time we get to meet Ironspawn. We're met with: cut to black, scene change, wait to get back to those characters, but when we do come back--- suddenly we're farther along. We just have to assume everyone was successful and all is well. The scene was done before it even got started. When we don't get to engage with the action it's just spinning tires at that point. It DID pick back up around 84%, but trying to keep my interest for over 20% felt like a chore and led me to listing it for 3.5 stars.
As a debut, this really is a great start. It's a hefty genre to tackle and it was done with multiple povs. It already has fans and I think more experience will only work wonders for the development of the series!
A big thank you to Tsirigotis and Book Sirens for granting me an ARC. I was stoked to read it.
January 17, 2026
Splinters of Heaven pulled me in immediately with its sense of scale and inevitability. From the opening chapters, it’s clear this is a world shaped by war, religious beliefs, power, and by the people caught inside systems far larger than themselves. This is grimdark fantasy at its most thoughtful: brutal when it needs to be, restrained when it matters, and deeply concerned with consequence.
The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, primarily following Darya, Syl, and Vali, each standing at a different fault line of an empire under strain. Their lives intersect with politics, faith, and a dangerous source of magic drawn from the Rift. The Rift is a power that is never free and always leaves scars. What I appreciated most is that no single viewpoint dominates; each character brings a different moral lens, forcing the reader to sit with conflicting truths rather than a single heroic narrative.
Tsirigotis excels at worldbuilding, not through endless exposition, but by embedding history into every decision. Myths are weaponized. Gods are distant and unsettling. Empires justify cruelty through stories they’ve told themselves for generations. The magic system reinforces this perfectly. The cost is physical, psychological, and spiritual, and its use always feels like a gamble with the future.
Where the novel really shines is in its emotional realism. The characters don’t make choices lightly, and when they do, those choices linger. Several moments after battles, the quiet, reflective scenes of aftermath hit harder than the combat itself. I often found myself pausing to think, "Would I have done the same?" That moral discomfort feels intentional and effective.
That said, this is not a fast or easy read. The density of the lore and political landscape slows the pacing early on, and readers who prefer immediate clarity may struggle at first. The complexity pays off, but it does demand patience. The ending also leaves doors very intentionally open, but not frustrating, clearly designed to set up a larger arc rather than offer full closure.
Still, those critiques feel minor compared to what the book accomplishes. Splinters of Heaven isn’t interested in comfort or clean victories. It’s about power bought with suffering, faith bent into control, and people trying to retain humanity inside collapsing systems.
If you enjoy dark fantasy that respects your intelligence, challenges your moral certainty, and lingers long after the final page, this book is absolutely worth your time. Thank you to Hollow Crown Press and Edelweiss for this eARC in return for my honest review. If you are a fan of The Witcher or The First Law, you'll enjoy this Dark Fantasy. It's out now, so pick up your copy!
⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5 Stars)
#SplintersofHeaven #HollowCrownPress #Edelweiss
The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, primarily following Darya, Syl, and Vali, each standing at a different fault line of an empire under strain. Their lives intersect with politics, faith, and a dangerous source of magic drawn from the Rift. The Rift is a power that is never free and always leaves scars. What I appreciated most is that no single viewpoint dominates; each character brings a different moral lens, forcing the reader to sit with conflicting truths rather than a single heroic narrative.
Tsirigotis excels at worldbuilding, not through endless exposition, but by embedding history into every decision. Myths are weaponized. Gods are distant and unsettling. Empires justify cruelty through stories they’ve told themselves for generations. The magic system reinforces this perfectly. The cost is physical, psychological, and spiritual, and its use always feels like a gamble with the future.
Where the novel really shines is in its emotional realism. The characters don’t make choices lightly, and when they do, those choices linger. Several moments after battles, the quiet, reflective scenes of aftermath hit harder than the combat itself. I often found myself pausing to think, "Would I have done the same?" That moral discomfort feels intentional and effective.
That said, this is not a fast or easy read. The density of the lore and political landscape slows the pacing early on, and readers who prefer immediate clarity may struggle at first. The complexity pays off, but it does demand patience. The ending also leaves doors very intentionally open, but not frustrating, clearly designed to set up a larger arc rather than offer full closure.
Still, those critiques feel minor compared to what the book accomplishes. Splinters of Heaven isn’t interested in comfort or clean victories. It’s about power bought with suffering, faith bent into control, and people trying to retain humanity inside collapsing systems.
If you enjoy dark fantasy that respects your intelligence, challenges your moral certainty, and lingers long after the final page, this book is absolutely worth your time. Thank you to Hollow Crown Press and Edelweiss for this eARC in return for my honest review. If you are a fan of The Witcher or The First Law, you'll enjoy this Dark Fantasy. It's out now, so pick up your copy!
⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5 Stars)
#SplintersofHeaven #HollowCrownPress #Edelweiss
February 8, 2026
My first finished book in two weeks, and what a return to form. Splinters of Heaven by Theo Tsirigotis didn’t just break my reading slump, it shattered it into something sharp, violent, and beautiful.
From the opening pages, Tsirigotis signals his lineage. If Joe Abercrombie’s moral brutality, Glen Cook’s ground-level grit, Sapkowski’s myth-laced cynicism, or George R.R. Martin’s political savagery stir your blood, this book belongs on your shelf immediately. Yet this is no imitation.
Tsirigotis speaks with his own voice, one that is confident, controlled, and startlingly mature for a debut.
The multiple POV structure is a major strength. Each perspective feels purposeful, revealing not just events but the cost of surviving them. Characters evolve under pressure rather than plot convenience. Ideals rot, loyalties fracture, and survival reshapes people into harder, stranger versions of themselves. No one is static, and no one is safe from consequence. Even minor characters feel fully inhabited, their choices rippling outward in believable, often devastating ways.
Thematically, Splinters of Heaven wrestles with power and corruption, faith and disillusionment, and the brutal distance remembers between who we were and who the world forces us to become. There is no clean morality here, only trade-offs soaked in blood and regret. The title itself feels earned as hope fractures, not disappears, but splinters into dangerous, painful fragments that still cut.
For a debut novel, this is frankly astonishing. Tsirigotis has crafted a world that feels lived-in, cruel, and magnetic, and a story that refuses to pull its punches. Splinters of Heaven stands shoulder to shoulder with the best grimdark fantasy has to offer. Theo Tsirigotis is not a name to watch. He has already arrived.
From the opening pages, Tsirigotis signals his lineage. If Joe Abercrombie’s moral brutality, Glen Cook’s ground-level grit, Sapkowski’s myth-laced cynicism, or George R.R. Martin’s political savagery stir your blood, this book belongs on your shelf immediately. Yet this is no imitation.
Tsirigotis speaks with his own voice, one that is confident, controlled, and startlingly mature for a debut.
The multiple POV structure is a major strength. Each perspective feels purposeful, revealing not just events but the cost of surviving them. Characters evolve under pressure rather than plot convenience. Ideals rot, loyalties fracture, and survival reshapes people into harder, stranger versions of themselves. No one is static, and no one is safe from consequence. Even minor characters feel fully inhabited, their choices rippling outward in believable, often devastating ways.
Thematically, Splinters of Heaven wrestles with power and corruption, faith and disillusionment, and the brutal distance remembers between who we were and who the world forces us to become. There is no clean morality here, only trade-offs soaked in blood and regret. The title itself feels earned as hope fractures, not disappears, but splinters into dangerous, painful fragments that still cut.
For a debut novel, this is frankly astonishing. Tsirigotis has crafted a world that feels lived-in, cruel, and magnetic, and a story that refuses to pull its punches. Splinters of Heaven stands shoulder to shoulder with the best grimdark fantasy has to offer. Theo Tsirigotis is not a name to watch. He has already arrived.
January 15, 2026
Spoiler Free!
*Splinters of Heaven* hit me with that rare mix of awe and quiet dread—the feeling that I was watching history being written by people who knew they were about to be judged by it. From the opening pages, the book carries a weight of inevitability: wars that feel ancient even as they unfold, gods who are distant and dangerous, and characters who understand that duty often demands terrible choices. This was very much a “just one more chapter” read for me.
What stood out most was the sense of scale. Tsirigotis doesn’t just describe battles; he captures how war fractures belief, loyalty, and memory. The worldbuilding feels lived-in, especially the way history itself becomes a weapon—myths, half-truths, and divine narratives shaping empires as much as swords ever do. Several scenes involving the aftermath of conflict stuck with me far longer than the battles themselves, particularly moments where characters grapple with whether their sacrifices actually mattered.
The tone reminded me of authors like Joe Abercrombie and R. Scott Bakker, with echoes of *The Silmarillion* in how legend and tragedy intertwine. This is not a comfort read—it’s thoughtful, grim, and often unsettling—but that’s precisely its strength.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy epic fantasy that leans philosophical, especially fans of morally complex worlds, god-haunted histories, and stories where victory always comes at a cost. If you like fantasy that respects your intelligence and lingers in your thoughts long after you finish, *Splinters of Heaven* is well worth your time.
*Splinters of Heaven* hit me with that rare mix of awe and quiet dread—the feeling that I was watching history being written by people who knew they were about to be judged by it. From the opening pages, the book carries a weight of inevitability: wars that feel ancient even as they unfold, gods who are distant and dangerous, and characters who understand that duty often demands terrible choices. This was very much a “just one more chapter” read for me.
What stood out most was the sense of scale. Tsirigotis doesn’t just describe battles; he captures how war fractures belief, loyalty, and memory. The worldbuilding feels lived-in, especially the way history itself becomes a weapon—myths, half-truths, and divine narratives shaping empires as much as swords ever do. Several scenes involving the aftermath of conflict stuck with me far longer than the battles themselves, particularly moments where characters grapple with whether their sacrifices actually mattered.
The tone reminded me of authors like Joe Abercrombie and R. Scott Bakker, with echoes of *The Silmarillion* in how legend and tragedy intertwine. This is not a comfort read—it’s thoughtful, grim, and often unsettling—but that’s precisely its strength.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy epic fantasy that leans philosophical, especially fans of morally complex worlds, god-haunted histories, and stories where victory always comes at a cost. If you like fantasy that respects your intelligence and lingers in your thoughts long after you finish, *Splinters of Heaven* is well worth your time.
January 2, 2026
Splinter of Heaven was an absolute blast to read. It’s a gritty, character-driven fantasy that immediately reminded me of the sharp edge and moral weight found in Joe Abercrombie’s work, while still feeling confident and distinct in its own voice. The novel opens at a measured pace, carefully laying the foundation of its world and characters before the narrative momentum begins to surge. Once it does, the pacing sharpens, the stakes rise, and it becomes genuinely difficult to put down.
One of the most satisfying aspects of the novel is Darya’s character arc. The brutality of her journey never feels gratuitous or hollow; instead, it fuels growth that feels earned and deeply compelling. From her first introduction of being chased through the swamp and forced to live with the consequences of survival-driven decisions, to her gradual internal discovery of power, resilience, and self-understanding, her evolution is gripping to witness. That blend of raw survival and hard-won personal growth makes her story especially rewarding and memorable.
Overall, Splinter of Heaven is an intense, immersive fantasy that balances action, darkness, and character development with impressive control. It’s the kind of book that draws you in patiently and then refuses to let go. If you enjoy fantasy that doesn’t flinch from darkness, but uses it to deepen characters rather than overwhelm the story, Splinter of Heaven is well worth your time.
One of the most satisfying aspects of the novel is Darya’s character arc. The brutality of her journey never feels gratuitous or hollow; instead, it fuels growth that feels earned and deeply compelling. From her first introduction of being chased through the swamp and forced to live with the consequences of survival-driven decisions, to her gradual internal discovery of power, resilience, and self-understanding, her evolution is gripping to witness. That blend of raw survival and hard-won personal growth makes her story especially rewarding and memorable.
Overall, Splinter of Heaven is an intense, immersive fantasy that balances action, darkness, and character development with impressive control. It’s the kind of book that draws you in patiently and then refuses to let go. If you enjoy fantasy that doesn’t flinch from darkness, but uses it to deepen characters rather than overwhelm the story, Splinter of Heaven is well worth your time.
Review of advance copy
I loved my first read through of Splinters of Heaven.
This was a darker and more in-depth read than I was expecting.
Definitely a sit there and consider your own life choices kind of read. As in, “would I have done the same as Darya? Or Syl?”
The decisions the characters are forced to, or choose to make in the book feel as real as my own.
The world building is unique and alludes to something bigger going on than meets the eye.
A whole new system of magic, and a world that has similarities to our own, but with a “end of the world” vibe that really hits home for me.
It has the action packed sword and shield piece that I love, but balances is very well with a level of deep emotional connection to the characters.
The author seems to be able to tap into an emotional level with his characters, that makes their decisions and outcomes feel like your own.
I felt the characters emotions in real time, which helped to bring the world to life for me.
I haven’t had a book really hit me this hard in awhile. The unique world, in-depth characters, and gritty realism mixed with fantasy speaks to me on a spiritual level.
I would highly recommend to anyone that is a fan of dark fantasy and fiction, similar to Abercrombie or Andrzej Sapkowski (Witcher).
This was a darker and more in-depth read than I was expecting.
Definitely a sit there and consider your own life choices kind of read. As in, “would I have done the same as Darya? Or Syl?”
The decisions the characters are forced to, or choose to make in the book feel as real as my own.
The world building is unique and alludes to something bigger going on than meets the eye.
A whole new system of magic, and a world that has similarities to our own, but with a “end of the world” vibe that really hits home for me.
It has the action packed sword and shield piece that I love, but balances is very well with a level of deep emotional connection to the characters.
The author seems to be able to tap into an emotional level with his characters, that makes their decisions and outcomes feel like your own.
I felt the characters emotions in real time, which helped to bring the world to life for me.
I haven’t had a book really hit me this hard in awhile. The unique world, in-depth characters, and gritty realism mixed with fantasy speaks to me on a spiritual level.
I would highly recommend to anyone that is a fan of dark fantasy and fiction, similar to Abercrombie or Andrzej Sapkowski (Witcher).
February 13, 2026
Splinters of Heaven is grim fantasy done right.
Theo Tsirigotis delivers a harsh, blood-soaked story where victory never comes clean and every choice feels like a compromise with something darker. The action is gritty and visceral without becoming gratuitous — you feel the weight of every clash, every loss, every hard-earned step forward.
What stood out most to me were the characters. No one is operating from a place of purity. They’re driven by duty, loyalty, survival — and often forced into choosing between the “bad option” and the “worse option.” That moral tension gives the story its teeth. You’re not reading to see who wins; you’re reading to see what it costs them.
The dialogue sets a perfect tone and never feels like something to be suffered through between the action.
The world itself feels lived-in and scarred, which suits the tone perfectly. That said, I would have appreciated a map. With so many locations and shifting fronts, a visual reference would have helped ground the geography and deepen immersion.
Overall, Splinters of Heaven is a strong entry into grim fantasy — unflinching, character-driven, and unapologetically brutal. If you enjoy morally gray casts and stories where survival demands sacrifice, this one is worth your time. I look forward to Book 2!
Theo Tsirigotis delivers a harsh, blood-soaked story where victory never comes clean and every choice feels like a compromise with something darker. The action is gritty and visceral without becoming gratuitous — you feel the weight of every clash, every loss, every hard-earned step forward.
What stood out most to me were the characters. No one is operating from a place of purity. They’re driven by duty, loyalty, survival — and often forced into choosing between the “bad option” and the “worse option.” That moral tension gives the story its teeth. You’re not reading to see who wins; you’re reading to see what it costs them.
The dialogue sets a perfect tone and never feels like something to be suffered through between the action.
The world itself feels lived-in and scarred, which suits the tone perfectly. That said, I would have appreciated a map. With so many locations and shifting fronts, a visual reference would have helped ground the geography and deepen immersion.
Overall, Splinters of Heaven is a strong entry into grim fantasy — unflinching, character-driven, and unapologetically brutal. If you enjoy morally gray casts and stories where survival demands sacrifice, this one is worth your time. I look forward to Book 2!
January 12, 2026
🗡️ SPLINTERS OF HEAVEN by Theo Tsirigotis - (Spoiler free review)
Splinters of Heaven presents a dark and deeply crafted world, where the story stands not only on action or magic, but also on a political backdrop filled with tension, hard choices, and consequences that ripple across every corner of the Empire.
This balance makes the story feel organic, grounded, and full of weight.
The novel unfolds through three distinct perspectives (Darya, Syl, and Vali), each offering a unique lens into the conflict, the magic, and the forces moving behind the scenes. No voice overshadows the others; all three carry the story forward with equal strength, keeping the narrative engaging without ever slipping into filler.
Although the worldbuilding is dense, it's delivered with care: the world feels alive, shaped by clashing cultures, historical grudges, borders under pressure, and belief systems strained to their limit. All wrapped around a magic system that comes with real cost. Drawing power from the Rift is vivid, dangerous, and never free.
The pacing is steady but gripping. It opens with impact, builds confidently, and rises into an ending that raises the stakes without closing every door, setting up what promises to be an even larger sequel.
✨✨✨✨✨ (5/5)
Amazing cover by Kyle Enochs.
Splinters of Heaven presents a dark and deeply crafted world, where the story stands not only on action or magic, but also on a political backdrop filled with tension, hard choices, and consequences that ripple across every corner of the Empire.
This balance makes the story feel organic, grounded, and full of weight.
The novel unfolds through three distinct perspectives (Darya, Syl, and Vali), each offering a unique lens into the conflict, the magic, and the forces moving behind the scenes. No voice overshadows the others; all three carry the story forward with equal strength, keeping the narrative engaging without ever slipping into filler.
Although the worldbuilding is dense, it's delivered with care: the world feels alive, shaped by clashing cultures, historical grudges, borders under pressure, and belief systems strained to their limit. All wrapped around a magic system that comes with real cost. Drawing power from the Rift is vivid, dangerous, and never free.
The pacing is steady but gripping. It opens with impact, builds confidently, and rises into an ending that raises the stakes without closing every door, setting up what promises to be an even larger sequel.
✨✨✨✨✨ (5/5)
Amazing cover by Kyle Enochs.
January 20, 2026
This was an amazing read for anyone looking for a vibrant world and the kind of characters you’re instantly invested in. Personally, I found all three main characters interesting in their own way and was curious to see how or if their stories would intersect. One of my favorite characters was Vali, who I really liked from the beginning and was especially interested in seeing how he’d develop over the novel.
By far, my favorite aspect of the book was the world building. I liked how the book didn’t spend too much time explaining everything at the beginning and instead wove in background information as the plot progressed. Although it might seem like a grim and brutal world where everything is constantly at stake, there still remains hope in the midst of hopelessness.
“But the truth is, when your world is nothing but darkness, it’s easy to see a light no matter how small.”
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys unique fantasy worlds and an array of complex characters. Super excited to see what happens next!
By far, my favorite aspect of the book was the world building. I liked how the book didn’t spend too much time explaining everything at the beginning and instead wove in background information as the plot progressed. Although it might seem like a grim and brutal world where everything is constantly at stake, there still remains hope in the midst of hopelessness.
“But the truth is, when your world is nothing but darkness, it’s easy to see a light no matter how small.”
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys unique fantasy worlds and an array of complex characters. Super excited to see what happens next!
January 25, 2026
This debut novel follows three different groups, each with their own goals and choices, some not always right, but often shaped by their situation. When a major event changed everything, survival became the priority, leading to a fight for power and big questions: Who is really the villain? Who caused this mess? And who truly wants to fix it?
As the groups cross paths, perspectives shift and alliances change. The story takes time to explore the world and its characters, which makes it rich but also slow in places. Some characters feel less developed, and their motivations aren’t always clear. The bigger picture only becomes clear near the end, which might test your patience.
Still, for a first novel, it does many things well. If you enjoy slower, character-driven stories and don’t mind waiting for the payoff, this could be worth your time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As the groups cross paths, perspectives shift and alliances change. The story takes time to explore the world and its characters, which makes it rich but also slow in places. Some characters feel less developed, and their motivations aren’t always clear. The bigger picture only becomes clear near the end, which might test your patience.
Still, for a first novel, it does many things well. If you enjoy slower, character-driven stories and don’t mind waiting for the payoff, this could be worth your time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2026
Review copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Splinters of Heaven launches the Pax Terminus series with a gritty, grimdark flair. It's a sweeping dark fantasy boasting vivid world-building, rich landscapes, with a jaded hunter, scheming royalty, and the awakening primal powers through raw tragedy. Theo blends myths into a savage story of power grabs, crumbling faith, and corruption, with crisp prose that grips through the pulse-pounding hunt for the cataclysmic Stained. The latter half of the book sags slightly on contrived twists and iffy motives. I suspect a lot of chopping was involved, which caused a bit of uncertainty by sapping some of the story's depth. Nevertheless, the gray morality and brutal enigmas elevate it to a very solid indie offering.
All in all, sharp and primed for sequels. Well done, Theo!
Splinters of Heaven launches the Pax Terminus series with a gritty, grimdark flair. It's a sweeping dark fantasy boasting vivid world-building, rich landscapes, with a jaded hunter, scheming royalty, and the awakening primal powers through raw tragedy. Theo blends myths into a savage story of power grabs, crumbling faith, and corruption, with crisp prose that grips through the pulse-pounding hunt for the cataclysmic Stained. The latter half of the book sags slightly on contrived twists and iffy motives. I suspect a lot of chopping was involved, which caused a bit of uncertainty by sapping some of the story's depth. Nevertheless, the gray morality and brutal enigmas elevate it to a very solid indie offering.
All in all, sharp and primed for sequels. Well done, Theo!
January 15, 2026
Splinter of Heaven was a powerful, immersive read that surprised me with its emotional depth. The story is dark without being excessive, using brutal circumstances to drive meaningful character growth rather than shock value. Darya’s journey is especially compelling, filled with hard choices that feel painfully real and morally complex.
The worldbuilding hints at something much larger beneath the surface, and the balance between action and introspection is handled extremely well. This is gritty, character-driven fantasy that lingers after the final page. If you enjoy dark fantasy with weight and consequence, this one is absolutely worth your time
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The worldbuilding hints at something much larger beneath the surface, and the balance between action and introspection is handled extremely well. This is gritty, character-driven fantasy that lingers after the final page. If you enjoy dark fantasy with weight and consequence, this one is absolutely worth your time
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
February 11, 2026
Splinters of Heaven is an amazing book. It immediately grabbed my attention which is quite a feat for my ADHD addled brain. The expansive lore is introduced through natural dialogue and events rather than exposition. This gives the story a more organic feel and keeps the suspense and interest up throughout.
The world introduced is the grim dark remnants of a civilization picking up the pieces after a cataclysm. The characters are all in that morally grey area where life exists with no good decisions.
I look forward to the prequel coming out in May 2026 and the next book in the series. Well worth a read.
The world introduced is the grim dark remnants of a civilization picking up the pieces after a cataclysm. The characters are all in that morally grey area where life exists with no good decisions.
I look forward to the prequel coming out in May 2026 and the next book in the series. Well worth a read.
January 12, 2026
Splinters of Heaven
By Theo Tsirigotis
Pub Date:Feb 07 2026
This is a good grim dark fantasy with morally gray characters.
I enjoy yes this book. It's a fun read. Will definitely read the next book when it comes out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hollow Crown Press for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
By Theo Tsirigotis
Pub Date:Feb 07 2026
This is a good grim dark fantasy with morally gray characters.
I enjoy yes this book. It's a fun read. Will definitely read the next book when it comes out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hollow Crown Press for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
February 7, 2026
Tsirigotis presents opens an exciting new grimdark world in Splinters of Heaven. Splinters drops you in a world that feels lived in, one where the “good guys” and “bad guys” are difficult to define, but where you still find yourself rooting for the characters.
The character development, action, and scale are breathtaking. I can’t wait for the next book!
The character development, action, and scale are breathtaking. I can’t wait for the next book!
February 1, 2026
I struggled to get going with this book as there are several POVs and they are very disparate to start. I found myself sitting the book down after reading a chapter because it would move to a completely different storyline in the next chapter. The lines do converge and the plot picks up after that. But this is certainly a dark fantasy. But I found I didn’t really connect with the characters enough to care about them. The story was good, the world building was good, but the characters, meh. Overall, this was fine, but I don’t think I’ll continue the series.
C/o Netgalley
C/o Netgalley
Review of advance copy
Splinters of Heaven has rich and all-encompassing world building rooted in grimdark fantasy. This novel definitely lives up to the grimdark tropes with its explorations of power and war combined with a complex magical systems that is heavily to character and plot stakes. The author gives use moral ambiguity with gritty, dark and immersive settings that is truly where this novel shines.Tsirigotis gives sprawling narratives with multiple thematic layers blending politics, battle, magic, and metaphysical elements resulting in a narrative that feels vast, immersive, and intellectually charged. The reader isn’t just following a plot, but navigating a living world layered with meaning, ambiguity, and mythic resonance.
Now all this dense lore and heavily detailed world building can slow pacing early on but do not fret it will be worth it to continue. Now lets talk about how well Tsirigotis handles the characters in his story. There is a strong sense of emotional intimacy with the characters. They are felt rather then just observed. We feel their fears and their anxieties making them more relatable and believable. The author does this while also maintaining realistic dialogue creating a balance of charm and danger. As the reader we understands them emotionally even if we do not understand them morally.
And then we have a cliff hanger. How long until the next book?
Overall, Splinters of Heaven is a mood-driven, idea-heavy grimdark fantasy with the ability to not just entertain but linger due to its heavy ideas about bought power, empires that run on suffering, and people trapped inside systems they didn’t build.
Now all this dense lore and heavily detailed world building can slow pacing early on but do not fret it will be worth it to continue. Now lets talk about how well Tsirigotis handles the characters in his story. There is a strong sense of emotional intimacy with the characters. They are felt rather then just observed. We feel their fears and their anxieties making them more relatable and believable. The author does this while also maintaining realistic dialogue creating a balance of charm and danger. As the reader we understands them emotionally even if we do not understand them morally.
And then we have a cliff hanger. How long until the next book?
Overall, Splinters of Heaven is a mood-driven, idea-heavy grimdark fantasy with the ability to not just entertain but linger due to its heavy ideas about bought power, empires that run on suffering, and people trapped inside systems they didn’t build.
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