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The Impavidus Cycle #1
Birthright
When a young daemon becomes host to his father, the eons-old progenitor of his kind, it seems his only purpose is to kill and kill again, to build a new world fit for the dark to rule. Unseen by humans, the world has long been controlled by the strings of a shadowy secret society of immortal beings, the Order of Azoth. As the organization fractures and begins to unravel, he may be the last hope of the Order to quell the spread of corruption and change the path of the future. Just as they may be his only hope to discover his own humanity.
622 pages, Paperback
Published August 23, 2020
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356 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 23, 2021
Epic, intricate, political, and full of heart.
Right away as a reader, you're pushed into the front cart of the roller-coaster, and you start with a free fall drop. Seriously, it is one of the most well done, and jarring first chapters I've read in a long time. But, so as to not tread into spoiler territory, I'll leave that particular part at that.
As for the rest of the plot, it was a treat to dive into this world full of intricately done politics. And I also quickly want to point out that flashbacks in this book are done in a really creative way. At first, it threw me off, but quickly realized what was happening.
But back to that plot. This is one of the most immersive books I've read in a while too. I can't attribute it to any one thing, but rather a set of things. There's a lot going on here. Politics with consequences, a looming existential threat, mystery in spades, and some romance too! The thing about all of this, is felt satisfying, and natural. Also, everything felt like it mattered. I felt like they were outrunning something inevitable, and scraping at any solution they could find. Vice does a fantastic job at stringing a flowing plot together that is epic in length, yet shortens it with political suspense that kept the pace right where it should be.
Now, as for the characters. In my opinion, they were the best part. Al, Mianna, Brunhart, Joaquin, Glen, Ismaire, all of them played their part. I suppose I should mention one of the more deplorable villains I've encountered in a while to, Lucifurius. Quickly, because he's riddled with spoilers, I'll say I really enjoyed Lucifurius, not because he's sympathetic, because he's not, but because of how devious, smart, and downright terrifying he was constantly knocking on the door, so to speak.
The rest of the main cast were fantastic, as alluded to. A good sign, is when I go back and forth with certain characters, unsure if I really do like them or not. In their own way, each of them were all downright lovable, and well crafted. They all get their shine, and this is one of those books where I can see many readers having their own favorites just because they all offer something different, and have their distinct roles.
Now, I'd be remiss to not mention the lead, Al, a little more. Al, or Albtraum, won my heart pretty early on. Learning everything, and finding his place along the way with everyone. Really, it warmed my heart in this cruel world I found myself immersed in. And that's part of what I mentioned earlier, this story has heart. There's this sense of family, and togetherness that warmed my heart seeing Al surrounded by.
To wrap this up, I want to highly recommend Birthright to anyone who enjoys political intrigue, and a healthy dose of heart in their dark fantasy. And trust me, it doesn't take long at all to find yourself immersed in this world. I look forward to reading the sequel!
5/5
Right away as a reader, you're pushed into the front cart of the roller-coaster, and you start with a free fall drop. Seriously, it is one of the most well done, and jarring first chapters I've read in a long time. But, so as to not tread into spoiler territory, I'll leave that particular part at that.
As for the rest of the plot, it was a treat to dive into this world full of intricately done politics. And I also quickly want to point out that flashbacks in this book are done in a really creative way. At first, it threw me off, but quickly realized what was happening.
But back to that plot. This is one of the most immersive books I've read in a while too. I can't attribute it to any one thing, but rather a set of things. There's a lot going on here. Politics with consequences, a looming existential threat, mystery in spades, and some romance too! The thing about all of this, is felt satisfying, and natural. Also, everything felt like it mattered. I felt like they were outrunning something inevitable, and scraping at any solution they could find. Vice does a fantastic job at stringing a flowing plot together that is epic in length, yet shortens it with political suspense that kept the pace right where it should be.
Now, as for the characters. In my opinion, they were the best part. Al, Mianna, Brunhart, Joaquin, Glen, Ismaire, all of them played their part. I suppose I should mention one of the more deplorable villains I've encountered in a while to, Lucifurius. Quickly, because he's riddled with spoilers, I'll say I really enjoyed Lucifurius, not because he's sympathetic, because he's not, but because of how devious, smart, and downright terrifying he was constantly knocking on the door, so to speak.
The rest of the main cast were fantastic, as alluded to. A good sign, is when I go back and forth with certain characters, unsure if I really do like them or not. In their own way, each of them were all downright lovable, and well crafted. They all get their shine, and this is one of those books where I can see many readers having their own favorites just because they all offer something different, and have their distinct roles.
Now, I'd be remiss to not mention the lead, Al, a little more. Al, or Albtraum, won my heart pretty early on. Learning everything, and finding his place along the way with everyone. Really, it warmed my heart in this cruel world I found myself immersed in. And that's part of what I mentioned earlier, this story has heart. There's this sense of family, and togetherness that warmed my heart seeing Al surrounded by.
To wrap this up, I want to highly recommend Birthright to anyone who enjoys political intrigue, and a healthy dose of heart in their dark fantasy. And trust me, it doesn't take long at all to find yourself immersed in this world. I look forward to reading the sequel!
5/5
January 26, 2022
The way this book started out, I wasn't really sure how it was going to go. You get hit in the face with action and mayhem and murder, and while the pace changes throughout the book as we get to know the characters and lore, the excitement and interest remains.
I am a casual reader, and will sometimes go months or years without reading a book. This delightful novel has sparked my interest in reading again. As the main character Albtraum makes his way through a world that is all new to him, and builds his found family, so too did I feel like I had found a family. I greatly look forward to more novels in this series to come and can't wait to find out what the author has in store for us!
I am a casual reader, and will sometimes go months or years without reading a book. This delightful novel has sparked my interest in reading again. As the main character Albtraum makes his way through a world that is all new to him, and builds his found family, so too did I feel like I had found a family. I greatly look forward to more novels in this series to come and can't wait to find out what the author has in store for us!
November 8, 2021
Birthright by M.A. Vice is an entirely unique fantasy with an incredible breadth of worldbuilding. The mythology and politics the author developed for this series is nothing short of impressive and deeply intriguing. It's obvious the author put a great deal of thought and heart into this book, and from the very start, the story is immersive in its details and character development.
Speaking of characters, I must say they were the highlight of the book for me. Each character had distinct personalities and goals, and the main protagonist, Albtraum, undergoes a fantastic journey from villain to hero that will have any reader rooting for him. Meanwhile, his love interest Mia is a wonderful example of strength through compassion. She’s a leader who believes in second chances, and I loved seeing how the gambles she took on characters paid off. This is especially true for my favorite character Ismaire, who led a life in her past she deeply regrets. Sarcastic and surly but soft underneath, I adored watching her and Albtraum’s friendship grow.
There were times in the middle of the book when the pacing did feel off, unnecessary day-to-day moments derailing the main plot for a bit too long; however, the above-mentioned characters along with a number of others are engaging enough to forgive spending extra time with them, and the end of the book makes up for the slower parts. Action packed sequences with heart wrenching surprises are worth the wait.
Overall, this was a fabulous fantasy debut, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves gory action, political intrigue, and characters with heart. I look forward to reading book 2.
Speaking of characters, I must say they were the highlight of the book for me. Each character had distinct personalities and goals, and the main protagonist, Albtraum, undergoes a fantastic journey from villain to hero that will have any reader rooting for him. Meanwhile, his love interest Mia is a wonderful example of strength through compassion. She’s a leader who believes in second chances, and I loved seeing how the gambles she took on characters paid off. This is especially true for my favorite character Ismaire, who led a life in her past she deeply regrets. Sarcastic and surly but soft underneath, I adored watching her and Albtraum’s friendship grow.
There were times in the middle of the book when the pacing did feel off, unnecessary day-to-day moments derailing the main plot for a bit too long; however, the above-mentioned characters along with a number of others are engaging enough to forgive spending extra time with them, and the end of the book makes up for the slower parts. Action packed sequences with heart wrenching surprises are worth the wait.
Overall, this was a fabulous fantasy debut, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves gory action, political intrigue, and characters with heart. I look forward to reading book 2.
November 16, 2020
Oh my gosh, this book is packed full of everything it takes to make an amazing story!
Right from the beginning there's so much action and excitement. I stayed up way too late numerous nights because I was so eager to see what happened next. The plot was unlike anything I've read before!
As for the characters, they are all so incredible! What an awesome cast. Each one was unique in their own way and brought something special to the table. The relationships between the main protagonist, Al, with the other characters was one of my favorite aspects of this book.
As for Vice's writing style, I loved it! Excellent writing from this debut author.
I highly recommend Birthright and personally can't wait to read the second book in the series!!
Right from the beginning there's so much action and excitement. I stayed up way too late numerous nights because I was so eager to see what happened next. The plot was unlike anything I've read before!
As for the characters, they are all so incredible! What an awesome cast. Each one was unique in their own way and brought something special to the table. The relationships between the main protagonist, Al, with the other characters was one of my favorite aspects of this book.
As for Vice's writing style, I loved it! Excellent writing from this debut author.
I highly recommend Birthright and personally can't wait to read the second book in the series!!
March 29, 2023
Disclaimer: I read this book as a judge for the Indie Ink Awards 2022 and this is my personal rating. It does not reflect the scoring for the contest.
My rating: 4.5 dark stars
An epic dark fantasy that's downright memorable, Birthright is one of those books that leave an impression.
It starts bloody and intriguing, to the point that you can't help but want to know more and it manages to keep you invested up to the very end.
The wordbuilding is amazing and the characters masterfully written, side cast included. Each of them flawed and perfectly imperfect and some of them the kind you'd want for yourself in real life. You'll be bound to root for one or the other, regardless of your bookish tastes.
The action scenes are delightfully gory while the emotion is the kind that bleeds from the page, gut punches included. And the character development is simply put... chef's kiss.
This book is layered, nuanced and complex, with an attention to detail and research that must be commended. The plot is solid and deftly executed, while the premise is irresistibly intriguing.
And then there is that END! You'll get no spoilers from me but... Holy fricking shirt! That end was first class! And there are a few certain scenes that will stick with me for quite a while.
The pace seemed to stall at times, especially during the middle, and those parts could have done with a bit of tightening in my opinion. But apart from that, you'll get no complaints from this Bookdragon here.
This book is hands down the most memorable one that I've read so far this year and I highly recommend it to all dark fantasy fans out there.
My rating: 4.5 dark stars
An epic dark fantasy that's downright memorable, Birthright is one of those books that leave an impression.
It starts bloody and intriguing, to the point that you can't help but want to know more and it manages to keep you invested up to the very end.
The wordbuilding is amazing and the characters masterfully written, side cast included. Each of them flawed and perfectly imperfect and some of them the kind you'd want for yourself in real life. You'll be bound to root for one or the other, regardless of your bookish tastes.
The action scenes are delightfully gory while the emotion is the kind that bleeds from the page, gut punches included. And the character development is simply put... chef's kiss.
This book is layered, nuanced and complex, with an attention to detail and research that must be commended. The plot is solid and deftly executed, while the premise is irresistibly intriguing.
And then there is that END! You'll get no spoilers from me but... Holy fricking shirt! That end was first class! And there are a few certain scenes that will stick with me for quite a while.
The pace seemed to stall at times, especially during the middle, and those parts could have done with a bit of tightening in my opinion. But apart from that, you'll get no complaints from this Bookdragon here.
This book is hands down the most memorable one that I've read so far this year and I highly recommend it to all dark fantasy fans out there.
October 4, 2021
What I Didn’t Like:
-Story could’ve used a little tightening. There were some aspects where we wandered off the main plot for a little too long and caused the main story line to slow.
-Hints of instalove. It is explained and isn’t necessarily a huge issue, but it still felt a bit rushed and unnatural.
-In fact, almost everyone sort of has instalove for one character. I did like the character so it didn’t feel entirely unbelievable, but it was odd. I expected more people to dislike him or even feel lukewarm about him.
What I Did Like:
-The start of the book! This one begins in a DARK, BLOODY, and intriguing way. It’s not the opening you expect and certainly isn’t the “typical” opening of a fantasy. I LOVE unique so this grabbed me right away.
-The ending. No spoilers but this was a risk and I loved that too! Not everyone would have the guts to bring this ending about and I definitely applaud the author for giving it a try. Even better, that risk actually pays off. This was a GREAT ending and I can’t WAIT for book 2.
-Brunhart. He’s a great character, he’s complex, and through him we are definitely exploring some of the downsides to a long/immortal life. I love when a side character can really sell me on a story and become my favorite and this guy definitely does that.
Who Should Read This One:
-Fantasy fans, specifically those who like their stories dark and edgy. This one features daemons, death, blood, gore, and war. What’s not to like?
My Rating: 4 stars. I really enjoyed this one and think fantasy fans should give it a read!
-Story could’ve used a little tightening. There were some aspects where we wandered off the main plot for a little too long and caused the main story line to slow.
-Hints of instalove. It is explained and isn’t necessarily a huge issue, but it still felt a bit rushed and unnatural.
-In fact, almost everyone sort of has instalove for one character. I did like the character so it didn’t feel entirely unbelievable, but it was odd. I expected more people to dislike him or even feel lukewarm about him.
What I Did Like:
-The start of the book! This one begins in a DARK, BLOODY, and intriguing way. It’s not the opening you expect and certainly isn’t the “typical” opening of a fantasy. I LOVE unique so this grabbed me right away.
-The ending. No spoilers but this was a risk and I loved that too! Not everyone would have the guts to bring this ending about and I definitely applaud the author for giving it a try. Even better, that risk actually pays off. This was a GREAT ending and I can’t WAIT for book 2.
-Brunhart. He’s a great character, he’s complex, and through him we are definitely exploring some of the downsides to a long/immortal life. I love when a side character can really sell me on a story and become my favorite and this guy definitely does that.
Who Should Read This One:
-Fantasy fans, specifically those who like their stories dark and edgy. This one features daemons, death, blood, gore, and war. What’s not to like?
My Rating: 4 stars. I really enjoyed this one and think fantasy fans should give it a read!
September 20, 2021
I feel like you can really tell when an author puts genuine love and care into their books. This book especially. It is a well-crafted tale with an intriguing premise, lovable protagonists and deliciously hatable antagonists. The world was very structured as was the lore, and there is a lot of loving detail in the descriptions of places and people. The main protagonist Al is rather lovable and I'm just an absolute sucker for the found family storyline. There are some intensely poignant moments that tugged on my heartstrings and a handful of laugh-out-loud moments.
Minor issues for me were it is a very long novel and there were stretches in the middle where it lagged a bit for me. I also really don't know how to feel about the ending. I think it's still settling in for me.
Overall, I enjoyed getting to know these characters and watching them build relationships with each other. I am definitely going to be reading the sequel once it comes out.
Minor issues for me were it is a very long novel and there were stretches in the middle where it lagged a bit for me. I also really don't know how to feel about the ending. I think it's still settling in for me.
Overall, I enjoyed getting to know these characters and watching them build relationships with each other. I am definitely going to be reading the sequel once it comes out.
June 21, 2021
This was so enjoyable. Al is one of the best characters ever. I adore everything about him and the emotional journey he took in this book. Brunhart is my favorite book-dad ever. I would like him to adopt me please and thank you. I will say that the end of this one gutted me. There were legit tears. I can't wait for book 2. So excited to see where the current conflict takes us!
(Also can we just swoon over this cover for a minute? Did you know the author also drew the art? Because holy-freaking-wow! I am in *awe*)
(Also can we just swoon over this cover for a minute? Did you know the author also drew the art? Because holy-freaking-wow! I am in *awe*)
October 13, 2020
the key to making me love a story is a good character. when al spit out his potatoes and then ate an entire raw onion unbothered... i knew i was in good hands.
this story is both fun and heart wrenching. i can’t wait to see what happens next. i will be 👁👄👁 eagerly waiting. 5/5 🌟
this story is both fun and heart wrenching. i can’t wait to see what happens next. i will be 👁👄👁 eagerly waiting. 5/5 🌟
July 3, 2024
A truly innovative and intelligent dark fantasy. One of the most interesting books I've read this year in fiction. I could write essays about the relationship between the protagonist and his demonic father who lives in his mind, trying to get him to destroy everything he loves, but instead I'll just tell you to try this book 🤣
May 25, 2021
(Review posted originally on AMAZON)
If you are thinking of buying M.A. Vice's BIRTHRIGHT, it's time to do it.
For fans of epic fantasy, historical fantasy, and dark fantasy, this is a book to go-to, and I have to admit that I've been fairly burnt out on a lot of heavy-tone dark fantasy from the Game of Thrones over-saturation. For full disclosure: I met the author on Twitter, and purchased her book through a sales initiative. Thankfully, M.A. Vice does such a fantastic job at separating her work from the overly-masculine tropes of dark fantasy, and from the very beginning, I was in.
If found families are your bag and absolutely fantastic characters who experience MEANINGFUL challenge and obstacles are as well, then I can highly recommend BIRTHRIGHT. It's clear that the author loves her characters, but not so much that they're elevated to immortality. They're all so wonderfully realized, and each possess a distinct personality on their own. Unlike the sprawling family lines of other dark fantasy, this book feels tightly-woven and intentionally focused. Travel reminds me of LOTR, and there's a grandness and scope to the story that can only go further as the Cycle continues.
AND THE BEAUTY OF IT. Vice's book is painstakingly laid-out. The cover-art is striking, tonally-perfect, and gorgeous; the interior is beautiful (I LOVE the scene separator graphics). While I occasionally found the extra space between paragraphs of the print version a bit distracting, the interior *feels* exactly like you'd expect from a finely-edited, well-produced novel.
A stellar example of independent authorship, a slow-burn plot that goes to extremes but embraces its warmth, and a well-realized world with an absolutely killer intro and an even more awesome conclusion, I can highly suggest BIRTHRIGHT to anyone interested.
If you are thinking of buying M.A. Vice's BIRTHRIGHT, it's time to do it.
For fans of epic fantasy, historical fantasy, and dark fantasy, this is a book to go-to, and I have to admit that I've been fairly burnt out on a lot of heavy-tone dark fantasy from the Game of Thrones over-saturation. For full disclosure: I met the author on Twitter, and purchased her book through a sales initiative. Thankfully, M.A. Vice does such a fantastic job at separating her work from the overly-masculine tropes of dark fantasy, and from the very beginning, I was in.
If found families are your bag and absolutely fantastic characters who experience MEANINGFUL challenge and obstacles are as well, then I can highly recommend BIRTHRIGHT. It's clear that the author loves her characters, but not so much that they're elevated to immortality. They're all so wonderfully realized, and each possess a distinct personality on their own. Unlike the sprawling family lines of other dark fantasy, this book feels tightly-woven and intentionally focused. Travel reminds me of LOTR, and there's a grandness and scope to the story that can only go further as the Cycle continues.
AND THE BEAUTY OF IT. Vice's book is painstakingly laid-out. The cover-art is striking, tonally-perfect, and gorgeous; the interior is beautiful (I LOVE the scene separator graphics). While I occasionally found the extra space between paragraphs of the print version a bit distracting, the interior *feels* exactly like you'd expect from a finely-edited, well-produced novel.
A stellar example of independent authorship, a slow-burn plot that goes to extremes but embraces its warmth, and a well-realized world with an absolutely killer intro and an even more awesome conclusion, I can highly suggest BIRTHRIGHT to anyone interested.
June 8, 2021
I loved this book. In the future I can hopefully write a more detailed review but for now I have a book hangover.
I highly recommend if you're into adorably awkward heroes, found family, intrigue, and beating evil daemons. Also if you hate potatoes like me, you will find a kindred spirit.
*Mild vague spoilers*
Right from the beginning, I felt myself hooked and wondering - how can this be the main character? What's going to be redeeming about this? Oh boy. So much about this book just kept me interested. I feel like there were tons of subtle twists to keep your attention - at first I think I'm in some fantasy world, and then Al starts reading Machiavelli. Little things like that just did so much to keep me reading. And the characters were the best part of all. I loved Al, and Brunhart, and Joaquin, and Glen, and Ismaire (Mianna I've got my eye on you - don't be hurting that boy). The sense of found family was so great and warm. I will definitely be picking up the next book, and I can't wait for it!
I highly recommend if you're into adorably awkward heroes, found family, intrigue, and beating evil daemons. Also if you hate potatoes like me, you will find a kindred spirit.
*Mild vague spoilers*
Right from the beginning, I felt myself hooked and wondering - how can this be the main character? What's going to be redeeming about this? Oh boy. So much about this book just kept me interested. I feel like there were tons of subtle twists to keep your attention - at first I think I'm in some fantasy world, and then Al starts reading Machiavelli. Little things like that just did so much to keep me reading. And the characters were the best part of all. I loved Al, and Brunhart, and Joaquin, and Glen, and Ismaire (Mianna I've got my eye on you - don't be hurting that boy). The sense of found family was so great and warm. I will definitely be picking up the next book, and I can't wait for it!
July 8, 2021
God, this book is so good. If you want to get so emotionally invested in characters that you end up sobbing over them, then this is the book for you. Everything about it is great, from the characters to the plot to even the pacing of the story itself. I have the hard cover edition, which has beautiful cover art and spacious formatting that helped me in reading. I cannot wait for the next book. :D
July 11, 2021
(Mild Spoilers)
To say I liked this book wouldn't even begin to describe how thoroughly entertained I was throughout the course of the story. It was well paced, and the plot gradually built in intensity until by the end I was so enthralled that I couldn't put it down.
Death and destruction grow to be the only thing the young daemon, Albtraum, knows after he awakens to the voice of his father in his head. He is given the task of helping him in his goal to destroy humankind and does this for years until he meets his match and is taken prisoner by the Queen of Sylva. There, he is given the opportunity to be separated from his father, and to assist the Queen and the Order of Azoth (a society of immortals) in (hopefully) destroying him once and for all.
The best part for me was watching Albtraum grow from a simple puppet of his father's to an independent character with a will and wants of his own. It was particularly sweet to watch his curiosity and desire for knowledge (for example, his reading and re-reading of Machiavelli) develop as he learns that there is more to the world than what he was first led to believe. And the more he learns, the more he clashes with his father (this makes for some very intense scenes later in the book).
Albtraum also meets and befriends a diverse cast of characters – The Queen of Sylva, Mianna, Brunhart, the captain of the guard, and Joaquin, Mianna's seneschal, to name just a few. Each of these characters had distinct personalities and backstories for how they came to be together, so even when the focus wasn’t on Albtraum, I enjoyed getting to learn about the others. I’ll say now that Brunhart was by far my favorite character overall for his tough exterior but his deep, fatherly care for Albtraum that develops during the young man’s stay with everyone. He truly warmed my heart.
Likewise, the care that everyone shows for Albtraum (but especially that of the aforementioned characters) stand out in sharp contrast to the way his father treats him, and made me root for his downfall, even when there were times at the beginning where one might think that MAYBE he was in the right after all – he was a good villain that way. But as he loses his hold on Al, so does he lose his hold on the reader.
The events in the last 3-4 chapters were well foreshadowed, but even then still came as a surprise due to how they played out. They had me hopping from anger, to hope, to holding back tears. And at the very end, the story left me anticipating the conflict that is sure to begin in book two. This was a truly enrapturing fantasy read.
To say I liked this book wouldn't even begin to describe how thoroughly entertained I was throughout the course of the story. It was well paced, and the plot gradually built in intensity until by the end I was so enthralled that I couldn't put it down.
Death and destruction grow to be the only thing the young daemon, Albtraum, knows after he awakens to the voice of his father in his head. He is given the task of helping him in his goal to destroy humankind and does this for years until he meets his match and is taken prisoner by the Queen of Sylva. There, he is given the opportunity to be separated from his father, and to assist the Queen and the Order of Azoth (a society of immortals) in (hopefully) destroying him once and for all.
The best part for me was watching Albtraum grow from a simple puppet of his father's to an independent character with a will and wants of his own. It was particularly sweet to watch his curiosity and desire for knowledge (for example, his reading and re-reading of Machiavelli) develop as he learns that there is more to the world than what he was first led to believe. And the more he learns, the more he clashes with his father (this makes for some very intense scenes later in the book).
Albtraum also meets and befriends a diverse cast of characters – The Queen of Sylva, Mianna, Brunhart, the captain of the guard, and Joaquin, Mianna's seneschal, to name just a few. Each of these characters had distinct personalities and backstories for how they came to be together, so even when the focus wasn’t on Albtraum, I enjoyed getting to learn about the others. I’ll say now that Brunhart was by far my favorite character overall for his tough exterior but his deep, fatherly care for Albtraum that develops during the young man’s stay with everyone. He truly warmed my heart.
Likewise, the care that everyone shows for Albtraum (but especially that of the aforementioned characters) stand out in sharp contrast to the way his father treats him, and made me root for his downfall, even when there were times at the beginning where one might think that MAYBE he was in the right after all – he was a good villain that way. But as he loses his hold on Al, so does he lose his hold on the reader.
The events in the last 3-4 chapters were well foreshadowed, but even then still came as a surprise due to how they played out. They had me hopping from anger, to hope, to holding back tears. And at the very end, the story left me anticipating the conflict that is sure to begin in book two. This was a truly enrapturing fantasy read.
January 21, 2022
Packed with action, heart, and twists around every corner, BIRTHRIGHT is an epic and unforgettable debut. Vice's characters are intricately developed and are truly the beating heart of this story. If you're a fan of dark epic fantasy, don't miss this one. I am very much looking forward to cracking open the next installment.
January 24, 2022
Excellent!
February 9, 2022
Birthright is full of action and intrigue. A beautifully crafted world and memorable characters. If dark fantasy is your thing, then this is a must read.
May 24, 2021
A cinnamon roll daemon boy hosts his marvelously sinister daemon dad's spirit and slaughters his way across the countryside, harvesting the victims' energy to create a new body - such a strong start! The story follows Albtraum as he awakens to his father's selfishness; defies his father's agenda; cleaves to his newfound humanity and the tender, loving kindness of a few precious friends; falls in love; and begins to learn the truth about his role and his destiny in both this world and the dark world of his birth while battling the malevolent spirit in his head. Story slows down significantly once Albtraum meets the supporting cast, and the plot turns largely to quiet, everyday events such as learning how to ride a horse, training a puppy, visiting restaurants, reading books, and poring over tailor-made clothes, during which the villain mainly manifests as splitting headaches and unnerving intrusive thoughts. The lengthy journey to other kingdoms serves mostly to develop the characters and to set the political battlefield for a war in book 2. The final sacrifice has a bit of impact, and this novel does pose a handful of interesting questions for the second installment--especially pertaining to the dark world. But the meandering pace and very high page count made this novel somewhat difficult to stick with.
June 10, 2021
I’ll be honest, I was not vibing with the beginning of this book. It seemed like it dragged on forever and I was afraid the whole book was going to be like that. I’m so glad I stuck it out, though. As soon as things started moving and happening, I was 100% on board. The world that has been built alongside our own is fascinating and I can’t wait to see where else we will get to go! The politics were intriguing but not overwhelming. What really carried this book were the characters, which is why I’m so glad I kept going and got to meet them all! Each one is so unique and full of heart that I’m not even sure I could pick a favorite (it’s 100% Glen), and their motives, behaviors, and actions were all completely believable. I was originally thrown by the multiple POVs, since the beginning is entirely in one POV, but it really grew on me. I loved getting to see the characters through others’ eyes, and seeing how their thoughts and relationships changed throughout the journey. Overall, what an excellent and strong debut with tons of promise. I’m super excited for what comes next!
July 16, 2021
Vice's book is a stellar work of historical fantasy, showing a dedication to an understanding of medieval-style politics, the history of human movement and action, and an appreciation for the mundane (cooking, clothing, animal husbandry etc.)
Despite it's dark fantasy leanings (and believe me it can be a ROUGH one) Birthright is also noticeably more tender, and dare I say, human than it's contemporaries in the genre. The Non-toxic masculinity and honest look at interpersonal interaction is excellent.
All my homies love homies who can hug each other without feeling like their masculinity is somehow "weakened".
This is not so much a story about the fates of worlds and such, instead, we are given a deeply personal, heartfelt adventure into found families, and the battle with one's own mind. So far, I would argue that Birthright, is, without a doubt, the premiere example of a respectful and honest story of Autism, Emotional Abuse and Depression in a medieval fantasy setting.
Despite it's dark fantasy leanings (and believe me it can be a ROUGH one) Birthright is also noticeably more tender, and dare I say, human than it's contemporaries in the genre. The Non-toxic masculinity and honest look at interpersonal interaction is excellent.
All my homies love homies who can hug each other without feeling like their masculinity is somehow "weakened".
This is not so much a story about the fates of worlds and such, instead, we are given a deeply personal, heartfelt adventure into found families, and the battle with one's own mind. So far, I would argue that Birthright, is, without a doubt, the premiere example of a respectful and honest story of Autism, Emotional Abuse and Depression in a medieval fantasy setting.
November 17, 2021
Very different, but in the best way. I found out about this book via Twitter while the author was gifting a signed copy. If I had any recommendations for this novel, I would say quit reading reviews and just dive right in. If you like things on the darker fantasy side, you’ll be right at home.
February 10, 2021
Birthright is a refreshing take on the Fantasy genre, with lots of flavour that is both unique and familiar. With strong characters, and an intriguing plot, it kept me reading page after page. By the time the book was over, I had gotten to know the characters on a personal level, and become emerged in the world.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Fantasy, but might be looking for something a little different than the standard fair the genre has to offer. It’s no Game of Thrones, and that’s one of its (many) strengths.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Fantasy, but might be looking for something a little different than the standard fair the genre has to offer. It’s no Game of Thrones, and that’s one of its (many) strengths.
August 9, 2021
Birthright is an astounding piece of historical fiction that draws upon themes that I think modern readers, especially those who have ever felt on the fringes of society in any way, are really craving in their stories. It is a fantastic book, and the representation of neurodivergency and LGBTQ+ identities really pushed it over the edge into the territory of fantastic stories that really just cannot be ignored.
January 24, 2024
A heartfelt fantasy novel about identity and what family really means--my first read of 2024, and I'll be picking up the sequel as soon as I'm able.
Things I loved:
-With a lot of darker fantasy, there's the concern that the writer will lose track of the characters' humanity, vulnerability, and emotion amidst all the violence and bleakness. That isn't a concern here. The characters are very human (figuratively at least, in Albtraum's case) and even in the worst moments, their sincere affection for their loved ones is a shining aspect of the story and a breath of fresh air.
-Expanding on that: we love to see some wholesome masculinity! Al, Brunhart, Joaquin, Glen... they aren't afraid to show they care about their family and friends, whether through words or physical affection. It's refreshing, and it makes them all so much more lovable.
-And of course, we can't forget our badass ladies! I love how we see different types of strength through Mianna and Ismaire--radically different in both virtues and flaws, but they're both among my favorite characters in the Impavidus Cycle so far.
-The exploration of family is also welcome. Of course, there's Albtraum's toxic birth father (abusive parent? also kinda like depression incarnate? he's the worst of both worlds!) in contrast to the healthy, uplifting father/son dynamics Al forms with Brunhart and Joaquin. But I love how the theme is also explored through Ismaire and her family, and Mianna living with the legacy of her father. (Among other more spoilery things.)
-The representation of finding your identity in a world where you've been made to feel like an outsider is really touching. As Albtraum discovers more of his humanity and the goodness of the people around him, I couldn't help but fall in love with it too.
-I also enjoyed the way politics are handled. A lot of mainstream fantasy likes to highlight the fun and sparkly aspects of royalty and power, and it doesn't always touch on the difficulties. Birthright does (and seems poised to continue that in the sequel), and also we get some fun political intrigue.
-While the ending ripped my heart out and ground it into a mess on the floor, I respect the boldness of that move. And for real, I need the sequel in my hands now. Once I've gotten all the tears out of my eyes...
-This is probably controversial, but I actually love how long it is. A lot of times, authors get pressured to cut a lot of "unneeded" content to meet arbitrary word counts, but that can end up making their stories feel bland and lifeless. While there are some scenes in Birthright that some readers might find "unnecessary," I like them. It gives the reader breathing room and fleshes out the characters and their world... and if you don't care about the characters or their world, why even bother to keep reading?
-Autistic rep, queer rep, and also an adorable dog named Renegade. What more could you ask for?
Things I didn't enjoy quite as much: (some of this is nitpicky and I apologize)
-The beginning was a bit difficult for me to get into. Al isn't really himself yet, and is puppetted from place to place like a weapon by his father. Of course, this is a deliberate choice and YMMV from reader to reader, but because of that, it did take me a bit before I got invested.
-It also felt like most of the other characters got attached to/decided to trust him a bit too quickly, considering many of them are supposed to be seasoned and smart. While Ismaire's refusal to trust him for so long is seen as a flaw (and it is, after a point), for a bit it feels like she's right when she thinks she's the only one being reasonable. (Even so, it was fun to see her and Al's relationship grow slowly into what could become a friendship--one of my favorite dynamics in the story, even.)
-While the central romance is sweet and I like them together a lot, it did feel a little rushed. From Albtraum's side, that makes sense--he's never felt this before, and when would he have had the chance to? Everything is sudden and new to him. But on Mianna's side, the fact that she's never felt this way about someone before--despite living for well over a century--feels a bit... off, somehow. (I could understand if she's intended to be demiromantic, maybe, but I didn't get that feeling?) And the fact that they're so quickly talking about marriage made me stop and wonder if I'd skipped several chapters somewhere. Even so, their relationship is good for the both of them, and they'll make one hell of a power couple.
-This is extra nitpicky, but I do feel like it could have benefitted from a couple more rounds of edits. In a couple places, the formatting was off, and there were a few typos and a lot of comma splices. Also, there are a couple of sentence structures the writer relies on a bit too heavily.
...However, literally all of my nitpicks are worth it for the experience of the story overall. I mean it.
Birthright is such a touching, sincere story that the author clearly poured a lot of love and time into. I fell in love with the characters, and I can't wait to learn what happens to them next. The world is fascinating, and of course, I can't forget the powerful themes that I'm sure many people can relate to... even if we aren't all a sweet daemon boy possessed by his tyrannical father (thank God).
Things I loved:
-With a lot of darker fantasy, there's the concern that the writer will lose track of the characters' humanity, vulnerability, and emotion amidst all the violence and bleakness. That isn't a concern here. The characters are very human (figuratively at least, in Albtraum's case) and even in the worst moments, their sincere affection for their loved ones is a shining aspect of the story and a breath of fresh air.
-Expanding on that: we love to see some wholesome masculinity! Al, Brunhart, Joaquin, Glen... they aren't afraid to show they care about their family and friends, whether through words or physical affection. It's refreshing, and it makes them all so much more lovable.
-And of course, we can't forget our badass ladies! I love how we see different types of strength through Mianna and Ismaire--radically different in both virtues and flaws, but they're both among my favorite characters in the Impavidus Cycle so far.
-The exploration of family is also welcome. Of course, there's Albtraum's toxic birth father (abusive parent? also kinda like depression incarnate? he's the worst of both worlds!) in contrast to the healthy, uplifting father/son dynamics Al forms with Brunhart and Joaquin. But I love how the theme is also explored through Ismaire and her family, and Mianna living with the legacy of her father. (Among other more spoilery things.)
-The representation of finding your identity in a world where you've been made to feel like an outsider is really touching. As Albtraum discovers more of his humanity and the goodness of the people around him, I couldn't help but fall in love with it too.
-I also enjoyed the way politics are handled. A lot of mainstream fantasy likes to highlight the fun and sparkly aspects of royalty and power, and it doesn't always touch on the difficulties. Birthright does (and seems poised to continue that in the sequel), and also we get some fun political intrigue.
-While the ending ripped my heart out and ground it into a mess on the floor, I respect the boldness of that move. And for real, I need the sequel in my hands now. Once I've gotten all the tears out of my eyes...
-This is probably controversial, but I actually love how long it is. A lot of times, authors get pressured to cut a lot of "unneeded" content to meet arbitrary word counts, but that can end up making their stories feel bland and lifeless. While there are some scenes in Birthright that some readers might find "unnecessary," I like them. It gives the reader breathing room and fleshes out the characters and their world... and if you don't care about the characters or their world, why even bother to keep reading?
-Autistic rep, queer rep, and also an adorable dog named Renegade. What more could you ask for?
Things I didn't enjoy quite as much: (some of this is nitpicky and I apologize)
-The beginning was a bit difficult for me to get into. Al isn't really himself yet, and is puppetted from place to place like a weapon by his father. Of course, this is a deliberate choice and YMMV from reader to reader, but because of that, it did take me a bit before I got invested.
-It also felt like most of the other characters got attached to/decided to trust him a bit too quickly, considering many of them are supposed to be seasoned and smart. While Ismaire's refusal to trust him for so long is seen as a flaw (and it is, after a point), for a bit it feels like she's right when she thinks she's the only one being reasonable. (Even so, it was fun to see her and Al's relationship grow slowly into what could become a friendship--one of my favorite dynamics in the story, even.)
-While the central romance is sweet and I like them together a lot, it did feel a little rushed. From Albtraum's side, that makes sense--he's never felt this before, and when would he have had the chance to? Everything is sudden and new to him. But on Mianna's side, the fact that she's never felt this way about someone before--despite living for well over a century--feels a bit... off, somehow. (I could understand if she's intended to be demiromantic, maybe, but I didn't get that feeling?) And the fact that they're so quickly talking about marriage made me stop and wonder if I'd skipped several chapters somewhere. Even so, their relationship is good for the both of them, and they'll make one hell of a power couple.
-This is extra nitpicky, but I do feel like it could have benefitted from a couple more rounds of edits. In a couple places, the formatting was off, and there were a few typos and a lot of comma splices. Also, there are a couple of sentence structures the writer relies on a bit too heavily.
...However, literally all of my nitpicks are worth it for the experience of the story overall. I mean it.
Birthright is such a touching, sincere story that the author clearly poured a lot of love and time into. I fell in love with the characters, and I can't wait to learn what happens to them next. The world is fascinating, and of course, I can't forget the powerful themes that I'm sure many people can relate to... even if we aren't all a sweet daemon boy possessed by his tyrannical father (thank God).
August 4, 2021
Birthright is a wonderful read! The narrative is written with a lot of care and attention to detail, especially where it weaves in historical locations and references. I found myself completely in love with the book's cast before I had even finished it. If you love found family stories, this is the book for you. Can't recommend this enough!
August 13, 2021
One of the best books I have read in a very long time. From the first chapter I was absorbed into the world M.A Vice skillfully crafted, and quickly fell in love with the story and characters!
An absolute joy to read, and I highly recommend adding Birthright to your personal library!
An absolute joy to read, and I highly recommend adding Birthright to your personal library!
October 28, 2021
PLEASE READ THIS BOOK IT IS SO GOOD
October 2, 2022
I do want to disclaim that my views are of course my own, and I acknowledge that they are subjective. That said, perhaps I am not the target demographic for this novel, thus my critiques. Aside from that disclaimer, M.A. Vice killed it with a great first novel - and a lengthy one at that! The world Vice has written has a lot of potential, and can only get better from here. That said, with its ups, this novel also has its downs. I would have given the novel a hard 4 stars out of 5, if it weren't for some major critique.
I found this novel for free on Amazon, but I will be investing in the sequel to support this author.
--
SPOILERS:
Praises:
- Vice writes excellent action scenes; fighting and action-conflicts are the most immersive parts of the novel. I found myself wanting more fighting, more blood, and more swords. The opening chapters are some of the most immersive in the whole story; particularly, I loved every instance when Lucifurius would take hold of Albtraum were some of the most entertaining and visually stimulating parts of the novel.
- My favorite character was Ismaire, because she was the only one who had realistic takes on her view of Albtraum. Where every other character basically welcomed Albtraum with open arms, Ismaire stayed true to her conviction - which makes sense because Albraum literally murdered over hundreds of men and women. Though she seemed brash and even annoying at first, she was badass, smart, and acknowledged her downfalls and grew from her mistakes.
- Very clearly I can tell that Vice love her characters, and that she wants them to succeed and have the very best. Characters are also openly LGBTQ+, and don't have to hide themselves in Mianna's realm, which is a breath of fresh air as a queer person myself. I wish we had more Noman in this novel!
- The dog doesn't die :)
- Brunhart is daddy ;)
Critique:
- The almost out-of-nowhere romance: Though the main characters were following destiny, it seemed out of place that Albtraum and Mianna fell in love with each other. There was no believable tension or attraction; their relationship was better platonic because the dynamic shifted in a very grating way. I disliked how Albtraum had no experience in the world, people, or relationships, snapping out of his murderous reverie at age 20 - and Mianna was a centuries-old immortal who was his savior and acted as his mentor. It was very off for me because though I am not going to necessarily say it felt like she took advantage of him, but the relationship didn't feel natural or authentic. The "darlings" were overkill.
Also, Albtraum is introduced as this renowned murderer, and then once he gets on the good guy's side, he becomes almost instantly received. That was hard for me to believe, and that is why Ismaire is the most level-headed character in the whole book.
- Outside of action, the writing is slow: The political in-betweens drew on sluggishly, making the story hard to read at points. I think the novel could have probably cut at least 200 pages if it omitted unnecessary scenes that didn't drive the plot. Moving from realm to realm was interesting in terms of learning more about the world outside of Sylva, but there was so much going on with the Order, destiny with Ishtar and Septimus, different gods, and all of the characters, that it ended up being less theater of the mind and more telling than showing. The politics were very superficial.
The novel could have gone through a few more rounds of edits, especially since I came across some paragraphs that were meant to be edited out before publishing. Scenes like learning the violin, walking through Paris and watching the play seemed like unneeded fluff-pieces, making the story read like an indulgent fan fiction than a novel.
- MACHIAVELLI: Machiavelli was legitimately mentioned over 20 times. I actually started resenting the novel every time Machiavelli, The Prince, Andria, and Discourses on Livy were mentioned. Which were a lot.
--
That said, I will reiterate that it is a huge feat to write a novel and publish it out into the world. I can only see great things coming out of this huge milestone for M.A. Vice.
I found this novel for free on Amazon, but I will be investing in the sequel to support this author.
--
SPOILERS:
Praises:
- Vice writes excellent action scenes; fighting and action-conflicts are the most immersive parts of the novel. I found myself wanting more fighting, more blood, and more swords. The opening chapters are some of the most immersive in the whole story; particularly, I loved every instance when Lucifurius would take hold of Albtraum were some of the most entertaining and visually stimulating parts of the novel.
- My favorite character was Ismaire, because she was the only one who had realistic takes on her view of Albtraum. Where every other character basically welcomed Albtraum with open arms, Ismaire stayed true to her conviction - which makes sense because Albraum literally murdered over hundreds of men and women. Though she seemed brash and even annoying at first, she was badass, smart, and acknowledged her downfalls and grew from her mistakes.
- Very clearly I can tell that Vice love her characters, and that she wants them to succeed and have the very best. Characters are also openly LGBTQ+, and don't have to hide themselves in Mianna's realm, which is a breath of fresh air as a queer person myself. I wish we had more Noman in this novel!
- The dog doesn't die :)
- Brunhart is daddy ;)
Critique:
- The almost out-of-nowhere romance: Though the main characters were following destiny, it seemed out of place that Albtraum and Mianna fell in love with each other. There was no believable tension or attraction; their relationship was better platonic because the dynamic shifted in a very grating way. I disliked how Albtraum had no experience in the world, people, or relationships, snapping out of his murderous reverie at age 20 - and Mianna was a centuries-old immortal who was his savior and acted as his mentor. It was very off for me because though I am not going to necessarily say it felt like she took advantage of him, but the relationship didn't feel natural or authentic. The "darlings" were overkill.
Also, Albtraum is introduced as this renowned murderer, and then once he gets on the good guy's side, he becomes almost instantly received. That was hard for me to believe, and that is why Ismaire is the most level-headed character in the whole book.
- Outside of action, the writing is slow: The political in-betweens drew on sluggishly, making the story hard to read at points. I think the novel could have probably cut at least 200 pages if it omitted unnecessary scenes that didn't drive the plot. Moving from realm to realm was interesting in terms of learning more about the world outside of Sylva, but there was so much going on with the Order, destiny with Ishtar and Septimus, different gods, and all of the characters, that it ended up being less theater of the mind and more telling than showing. The politics were very superficial.
The novel could have gone through a few more rounds of edits, especially since I came across some paragraphs that were meant to be edited out before publishing. Scenes like learning the violin, walking through Paris and watching the play seemed like unneeded fluff-pieces, making the story read like an indulgent fan fiction than a novel.
- MACHIAVELLI: Machiavelli was legitimately mentioned over 20 times. I actually started resenting the novel every time Machiavelli, The Prince, Andria, and Discourses on Livy were mentioned. Which were a lot.
--
That said, I will reiterate that it is a huge feat to write a novel and publish it out into the world. I can only see great things coming out of this huge milestone for M.A. Vice.
August 5, 2021
**Review adapted from one I wrote on Barnes & Noble when I first finished the book. I will keep the review as spoiler-free as possible**
TLDR - This book still remains one of my favorite books I have read in recent years. Once the main cast of characters assembles (which happens relatively quickly), the book is near impossible to put down due to a stream of emotional scenes coupled with political intrigue and superb character building.
Full Spoiler-Free Review
Birthright is a historical-fiction book that is focused primarily on a cast of four or so protagonists, with a myriad of side characters that are meant to support the main group while still having distinct personalities and being characters themselves. Luckily, the author has masterfully constructed this cast, introducing everything at a good, steady pace that will keep reader's enthralled with the events in the book while giving some room for breathing in between intense emotional scenes. There were a number of moments I cheered for the character's successes and an equal number of them that were emotional gut punches, all because I was emotionally invested into these characters that I have grown to love. There are also sections of the book devoted to letting the cast and the reader contemplate these highly-emotional events, thus allowing the reader to take a short mental break before another such event occurs.
This book also a good range of antagonists. It starts with a remorseless evil entity, but other, more nuanced characters will also appear further along in the book. I personally find a good mix of villains such as these work well in longer stories, so I am happy to see the author implement a variety of antagonists to keep the story fresh.
While the book is definitely character-driven, there is also a fair amount of political intrigue and world building once the group begins their travels. The book clearly builds a world that people live in, expanding on each location just enough to give the readers a solid idea of what each location is like and the political structures that each one is centered around. Since the main protagonists are directly involved in the politics and the world itself, the outcomes of any events in these locations are immediately felt to the readers.
Finally, the main themes prevalent in the book are by far (1) found families and (2) overcoming depressing pasts, but there are plentiful other smaller themes that may not be as obvious at first glance. I am still finding more of these subtle themes in the book to this day, thus rewarding additional treks through these pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys either of these themes or a strong character centric story.
A+ Book, cannot wait for more in the series.
TLDR - This book still remains one of my favorite books I have read in recent years. Once the main cast of characters assembles (which happens relatively quickly), the book is near impossible to put down due to a stream of emotional scenes coupled with political intrigue and superb character building.
Full Spoiler-Free Review
Birthright is a historical-fiction book that is focused primarily on a cast of four or so protagonists, with a myriad of side characters that are meant to support the main group while still having distinct personalities and being characters themselves. Luckily, the author has masterfully constructed this cast, introducing everything at a good, steady pace that will keep reader's enthralled with the events in the book while giving some room for breathing in between intense emotional scenes. There were a number of moments I cheered for the character's successes and an equal number of them that were emotional gut punches, all because I was emotionally invested into these characters that I have grown to love. There are also sections of the book devoted to letting the cast and the reader contemplate these highly-emotional events, thus allowing the reader to take a short mental break before another such event occurs.
This book also a good range of antagonists. It starts with a remorseless evil entity, but other, more nuanced characters will also appear further along in the book. I personally find a good mix of villains such as these work well in longer stories, so I am happy to see the author implement a variety of antagonists to keep the story fresh.
While the book is definitely character-driven, there is also a fair amount of political intrigue and world building once the group begins their travels. The book clearly builds a world that people live in, expanding on each location just enough to give the readers a solid idea of what each location is like and the political structures that each one is centered around. Since the main protagonists are directly involved in the politics and the world itself, the outcomes of any events in these locations are immediately felt to the readers.
Finally, the main themes prevalent in the book are by far (1) found families and (2) overcoming depressing pasts, but there are plentiful other smaller themes that may not be as obvious at first glance. I am still finding more of these subtle themes in the book to this day, thus rewarding additional treks through these pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys either of these themes or a strong character centric story.
A+ Book, cannot wait for more in the series.
January 12, 2024
This was a really great book! There's so much about it I love, and the story is suuuuper engaging. I especially liked the beginning because it's unlike any book I've ever read before. The main character, Albtraum (which I pronounce Alb-tray-um. Not sure if it's supposed to be pronounced that way or not, but it sounds cool so I went with it. And it also kinda looks like "I'll b-tray 'em" which is one of the main character's worries so I really liked that) .... er, anyway. Albtraum "wakes" and discovers he's the son of a daemon. He doesn't remember anything before that point, but his dad (who lives in his mind at the moment) wants him to do lots of murders to increase his power. And it's... Cool. You have this main character who is the antagonist for EVERYONE ELSE in the world for a hot minute (the span of 4 years, I think) until the seeds of doubt are planted and he starts to wonder if maybe killing everyone isn't the best thing to do.
The characters all have unique, interesting voices and are clearly defined through their actions, hobbies, and preferences. I feel for them. I like some and distrust others. I am shocked by revelations and irritated (in a good way!) by certain decisions. The author knows how to write and develop characters for sure.
I also liked the epic feel of this story. I don't know what you would really call this, because it's not URBAN fantasy, but it does take place on an alternate reality version of our own earth, although it's really impossible to tell if it's in the past or a post-dystopian future. I like that. It really could be either. Or neither! Maybe it's just an alternate universe where daemons exist.
Awesome setting, perfect amount of description, great, believable dialogue.
There are a few issues I had, but they were only enough for me to take off one star, 'cuz I liked the story so much.
1. Especially in the first few chapters, there are a lot of words repeated. Even though they're common words, them being used within one line of each other made things a little repetitive.
2. My own gripe: I'm not a fan of love triangles. This one is relatively short, but I just don't personally like them.
3. Almost everyone seems to love Albtraum immediately. It works with the setting, for the most part, but the fawning can get a little uncomfortable.
4. There's a part of the book I can't really talk about because of spoilers, but it involves the relationship between Mianna and Albtraum. I feel as if it moved too fast.
5. The end of the book seems really long after the climax. After I finished what felt like the most exciting part of the book, I still had 40 minutes left to read, and I'm a fast reader.
Other than that, I really enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to book 2!
The characters all have unique, interesting voices and are clearly defined through their actions, hobbies, and preferences. I feel for them. I like some and distrust others. I am shocked by revelations and irritated (in a good way!) by certain decisions. The author knows how to write and develop characters for sure.
I also liked the epic feel of this story. I don't know what you would really call this, because it's not URBAN fantasy, but it does take place on an alternate reality version of our own earth, although it's really impossible to tell if it's in the past or a post-dystopian future. I like that. It really could be either. Or neither! Maybe it's just an alternate universe where daemons exist.
Awesome setting, perfect amount of description, great, believable dialogue.
There are a few issues I had, but they were only enough for me to take off one star, 'cuz I liked the story so much.
1. Especially in the first few chapters, there are a lot of words repeated. Even though they're common words, them being used within one line of each other made things a little repetitive.
2. My own gripe: I'm not a fan of love triangles. This one is relatively short, but I just don't personally like them.
3. Almost everyone seems to love Albtraum immediately. It works with the setting, for the most part, but the fawning can get a little uncomfortable.
4. There's a part of the book I can't really talk about because of spoilers, but it involves the relationship between Mianna and Albtraum. I feel as if it moved too fast.
5. The end of the book seems really long after the climax. After I finished what felt like the most exciting part of the book, I still had 40 minutes left to read, and I'm a fast reader.
Other than that, I really enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to book 2!
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