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Vultures
An enemy slain is not a conflict won...
After decades of war the demon Te Mirkvahíl is dead. But its progeny endure, spilling from the Heart of Mirkúr, sowing death across the land of Ariath. If the people are to finally know peace, the Heart must be destroyed. Theailys An believes he can do just that with The Keepers' Wrath, an infamous power focus wrought in Ariath's yesteryears--but the weapon first must be reforged.
War spares no one...
Serece never intended to get involved in Ariath's war. But history and demons have a way of pulling strings. When she learns Theailys An, a man whom she abhors, bears striking similarity to the first creator of The Keepers' Wrath, Serece departs her mountain world for Ariath to ascertain the truth.
From patience, hope...
For millennia Behtréal has walked the world alone. Rewriting history to resurrect his people is easier said than done. But Ariath holds the key--soon The Keepers' Wrath will be remade.
Truth from madness...
As paths converge and a shadow falls across Ariath, one thing becomes increasingly and horrifyingly clear--these events have played out many times before.
After decades of war the demon Te Mirkvahíl is dead. But its progeny endure, spilling from the Heart of Mirkúr, sowing death across the land of Ariath. If the people are to finally know peace, the Heart must be destroyed. Theailys An believes he can do just that with The Keepers' Wrath, an infamous power focus wrought in Ariath's yesteryears--but the weapon first must be reforged.
War spares no one...
Serece never intended to get involved in Ariath's war. But history and demons have a way of pulling strings. When she learns Theailys An, a man whom she abhors, bears striking similarity to the first creator of The Keepers' Wrath, Serece departs her mountain world for Ariath to ascertain the truth.
From patience, hope...
For millennia Behtréal has walked the world alone. Rewriting history to resurrect his people is easier said than done. But Ariath holds the key--soon The Keepers' Wrath will be remade.
Truth from madness...
As paths converge and a shadow falls across Ariath, one thing becomes increasingly and horrifyingly clear--these events have played out many times before.
Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2019
19 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Luke Tarzian
30 books81 followersFantasy Author. Long Doggo Enthusiast. Snoot Booper. Shouter of Profanities. Drinker of Whiskey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 2, 2019
I have to admit that I have been wracking my brain all weekend trying to figure out how to write a review of this book. Not because it's not a good book, mind you. It is! Rather more so because it feels like a dark fantasy version of a David Lynch movie, incorporating alternate timelines and realities that deliver a plot consisting of a healthy dose of philosophical theory. So can you see where I might have a hard time describing that in a review? Be that as it may, I will attempt to do just that.
VULTURES is told through three separate points of view. The first is Theailys An, a man whose major goal in life is to once and for all eradicate the demon hordes who continually pour out from a place called the Heart of Mirkur. These creatures should have been all but destroyed following the great battle that supposedly killed the evil demon lord Te Mirkvahil and his minions. Yet they persist infecting the land around and leaving corpses in their wake. Theailys believes his only shot is to reforge a weapon of legend that will end the menace and save the people of Ariath.
The second POV character is Serece, an unwilling participant in Ariath's troubles but at the same time thrown into these events due to a premonition that she feels regarding Theailys and his true identity. She finds herself both repulsed and drawn to this man in some inexplicable way and simply can't find a way to let things go without first finding out the deeper ramifications and meaning behind what Theailys is ultimately up to.
The last POV is the enigmatic Behtreal, committed to walk this world in solitude forever with the hope of bringing his people back to their former glory. His means of doing so may bring him, like the other main characters in this story, to the brink of madness. And as we realize that their storylines will at some point inevitably converge, we are also left knowing that something otherworldy and catastrophic may be at hand that could change the history of this world forever.
As I turned the final page of VULTURES by Luke Tarzian, I felt utterly exhausted for a couple of different reasons. The first was an unbelievably powerful and amazing ending, but also the entire reading journey that it took to get me to that point. This isn't a book that you can just skim through and get the gist of. It takes your full time and attention with every page and chapter to appreciate that final payoff. Tarzian asks you to put in a little work for your enjoyment. Frankly these are the types of books that are the most rewarding to me as a reader.
Expounding on that, this isn't so much a fantasy book as it is a multi-level reading experience. The alternating timelines are a fantastic vehicle which convey the crucial events that are what make up this incredible dark fantasy tale. Luke's writing is beautifully evocative and part of what also makes this such a strong story as a whole is his ability to paint wondrous pictures with words. Often times these pictures are stark and ominous but they are described so vividly and in such great detail that you savor every bit of it and then want more.
Lastly I have to commend Luke Tarzian on his magical world-building. I'm at a loss to try and figure out how he came up with this wondrous setting in his head. It reminded me a little of Peter Newman's Vagrant series but with a great deal more texture and complexity. I was stunned by the beauty of VULTURES and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a dark fantasy book that challenges you at every turn but also really entertains you at the same time. It's also a book that you want to reread immediately after finishing it to see if you missed anything the first time around.
I am eagerly anticipating the next book in Luke Tarzian's Shadow Twins series. If it is anything close to VULTURES, I know that I'm going to be in for one heck of a ride. Pick it up if you have the chance, I guarantee that you won't regret it. An engaging and thought-provoking read to say the least.
VULTURES is told through three separate points of view. The first is Theailys An, a man whose major goal in life is to once and for all eradicate the demon hordes who continually pour out from a place called the Heart of Mirkur. These creatures should have been all but destroyed following the great battle that supposedly killed the evil demon lord Te Mirkvahil and his minions. Yet they persist infecting the land around and leaving corpses in their wake. Theailys believes his only shot is to reforge a weapon of legend that will end the menace and save the people of Ariath.
The second POV character is Serece, an unwilling participant in Ariath's troubles but at the same time thrown into these events due to a premonition that she feels regarding Theailys and his true identity. She finds herself both repulsed and drawn to this man in some inexplicable way and simply can't find a way to let things go without first finding out the deeper ramifications and meaning behind what Theailys is ultimately up to.
The last POV is the enigmatic Behtreal, committed to walk this world in solitude forever with the hope of bringing his people back to their former glory. His means of doing so may bring him, like the other main characters in this story, to the brink of madness. And as we realize that their storylines will at some point inevitably converge, we are also left knowing that something otherworldy and catastrophic may be at hand that could change the history of this world forever.
As I turned the final page of VULTURES by Luke Tarzian, I felt utterly exhausted for a couple of different reasons. The first was an unbelievably powerful and amazing ending, but also the entire reading journey that it took to get me to that point. This isn't a book that you can just skim through and get the gist of. It takes your full time and attention with every page and chapter to appreciate that final payoff. Tarzian asks you to put in a little work for your enjoyment. Frankly these are the types of books that are the most rewarding to me as a reader.
Expounding on that, this isn't so much a fantasy book as it is a multi-level reading experience. The alternating timelines are a fantastic vehicle which convey the crucial events that are what make up this incredible dark fantasy tale. Luke's writing is beautifully evocative and part of what also makes this such a strong story as a whole is his ability to paint wondrous pictures with words. Often times these pictures are stark and ominous but they are described so vividly and in such great detail that you savor every bit of it and then want more.
Lastly I have to commend Luke Tarzian on his magical world-building. I'm at a loss to try and figure out how he came up with this wondrous setting in his head. It reminded me a little of Peter Newman's Vagrant series but with a great deal more texture and complexity. I was stunned by the beauty of VULTURES and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a dark fantasy book that challenges you at every turn but also really entertains you at the same time. It's also a book that you want to reread immediately after finishing it to see if you missed anything the first time around.
I am eagerly anticipating the next book in Luke Tarzian's Shadow Twins series. If it is anything close to VULTURES, I know that I'm going to be in for one heck of a ride. Pick it up if you have the chance, I guarantee that you won't regret it. An engaging and thought-provoking read to say the least.
May 10, 2019
Full review over at Fantasy Book Critic
The light is darkest just before the dawn.
In a world marred and preyed upon by demons, Theailys An has one goal, to reforge The Keepers' Wrath in order to end the demons' dominion over those struggling for survival. With divine intervention at every turn, an everlasting conflict between the wielders of illum and mirkúr, and a history that seems to repeat itself, Thaeilys must secure what's needed to bring peace to a land that has been plagued by a war of shadows for millennia. But are his efforts propelling him towards a predetermined conclusion, or will he take heed to the prophecies bestowed upon him as he dreams?
Vultures is a tale of balance and the war between light and shadow, law and chaos, good and evil. These opposing forces the two sides of one coin, and the balance the minuscule edge on which everything teeters. A careful exploration into the human psyche through the concept of innate fractured personalities wanting and in need of differing final results, all battling for sovereignty. It is a tale of righting wrongs and altering the effects of histories past, and the painful sacrifices needed in order to do so. It is, hands down, one of the most ambitious and sophisticated stories I have ever read. After reading the preview chapter offered by the author, I went into this with high expectations, and I cannot express how elated I am that the remainder of the book completely exceeded everything I had hoped for. If this outstanding debut is anything to judge by, Luke Tarzian is one author everyone needs to keep an eye on.
The format of this book is quite unique in which we're transported to various interesting locations through a series of timelines, allowing us to witness crucial points in history while remaining in the present. As some books are immediately heavy on worldbuilding, Vultures creates its world, rich in culture and diversity, right before your eyes. Yes, ancient events are implied through their results, such as the mention of a dead city of rot, but we also get to see firsthand how this city has come to be a desiccated shell of shadow and ash. The use of dreams and dream-like states as vehicles for worldbuilding is brilliant, constructing the masterpiece around you, rather than dropping you in blindfolded or overwhelming you with copious amounts of details. At times it may seem the purpose of these mechanisms are unclear, but as the story continues, all threads converge to build a magnificent tapestry with perfect clarity.
The bold may wisely cage a wolf that wields the power to raise an army, Behtréal thought, but it is the arrogant, the ignorant who reach between the bars to slay the wolf's cubs.
Tarzian has created a cast of intricately complex characters, each possessing of different abilities, hailing from disparate regions around the world, and each with their own strengths and downfalls. Some are controlled by avatars of wrathful gods, others are phreznic, or consumed by multiple presences that attempt to take control of the physical body, others yet are are simply haunted by the past. While the book focuses on three main characters, namely Theailys, Serece, and Behtréal, we're also introduced to different aspects or personalties of these characters, allowing us to observe critical events as they occur from every angle. There are a variety of secondary characters that perfectly flesh out the story and add a bit of levity, but as diverse as they all are, they all have one thing in common: pain - pain from loss, pain from war, pain from past decisions made, pain of loneliness - bringing them together to rise up for a common cause.
There are so many facets of this book I want to shout praise for and I only wish I could discuss them in more detail, but this story contains one jaw-dropping revelation after another. So, out of fear of spoiling, I'll just say Vultures is beautifully written, amazingly plotted (this is a severe understatement), and so emotionally raw. Tarzian's prose is gorgeous and flowing and reminiscent of an epic saga; his words a meticulously honed knife searing into your heart, preventing you from putting the book down, lest you fear leaving the characters you've become acquainted with alone in the darkness. His world is strange and awe-inspiring, one that he allows you to catch glimpses of, leaving you wanting more. And finally, peeling away the layers to learn more about the grand scheme is one highly rewarding experience.
The Demon Prime is a force of nature, a wind that begins as a whisper and evolves into a storm of madness that you cannot comprehend.
I feel that anything I say will not give this story the justice it deserves, as it's one you need to personally experience. It's earnest, tackling some pretty personal and serious themes, such as loss and depression, never skirting around the severity of their terrible effects. However, we're always reminded that there is the light of dawn on the horizon. I've mentioned this in the past, and I'll continue to express how excited I always am to dive into the works of a new author, and this is definitely no exception. Vultures is simply one of the most stunning debuts I've ever read and a beautiful beginning to The Shadow Twins Trilogy. I highly recommend you give this one a try.
Note: A HUGE thanks to the author who provided me with an advanced copy of this book.
The light is darkest just before the dawn.
In a world marred and preyed upon by demons, Theailys An has one goal, to reforge The Keepers' Wrath in order to end the demons' dominion over those struggling for survival. With divine intervention at every turn, an everlasting conflict between the wielders of illum and mirkúr, and a history that seems to repeat itself, Thaeilys must secure what's needed to bring peace to a land that has been plagued by a war of shadows for millennia. But are his efforts propelling him towards a predetermined conclusion, or will he take heed to the prophecies bestowed upon him as he dreams?
Vultures is a tale of balance and the war between light and shadow, law and chaos, good and evil. These opposing forces the two sides of one coin, and the balance the minuscule edge on which everything teeters. A careful exploration into the human psyche through the concept of innate fractured personalities wanting and in need of differing final results, all battling for sovereignty. It is a tale of righting wrongs and altering the effects of histories past, and the painful sacrifices needed in order to do so. It is, hands down, one of the most ambitious and sophisticated stories I have ever read. After reading the preview chapter offered by the author, I went into this with high expectations, and I cannot express how elated I am that the remainder of the book completely exceeded everything I had hoped for. If this outstanding debut is anything to judge by, Luke Tarzian is one author everyone needs to keep an eye on.
The format of this book is quite unique in which we're transported to various interesting locations through a series of timelines, allowing us to witness crucial points in history while remaining in the present. As some books are immediately heavy on worldbuilding, Vultures creates its world, rich in culture and diversity, right before your eyes. Yes, ancient events are implied through their results, such as the mention of a dead city of rot, but we also get to see firsthand how this city has come to be a desiccated shell of shadow and ash. The use of dreams and dream-like states as vehicles for worldbuilding is brilliant, constructing the masterpiece around you, rather than dropping you in blindfolded or overwhelming you with copious amounts of details. At times it may seem the purpose of these mechanisms are unclear, but as the story continues, all threads converge to build a magnificent tapestry with perfect clarity.
The bold may wisely cage a wolf that wields the power to raise an army, Behtréal thought, but it is the arrogant, the ignorant who reach between the bars to slay the wolf's cubs.
Tarzian has created a cast of intricately complex characters, each possessing of different abilities, hailing from disparate regions around the world, and each with their own strengths and downfalls. Some are controlled by avatars of wrathful gods, others are phreznic, or consumed by multiple presences that attempt to take control of the physical body, others yet are are simply haunted by the past. While the book focuses on three main characters, namely Theailys, Serece, and Behtréal, we're also introduced to different aspects or personalties of these characters, allowing us to observe critical events as they occur from every angle. There are a variety of secondary characters that perfectly flesh out the story and add a bit of levity, but as diverse as they all are, they all have one thing in common: pain - pain from loss, pain from war, pain from past decisions made, pain of loneliness - bringing them together to rise up for a common cause.
There are so many facets of this book I want to shout praise for and I only wish I could discuss them in more detail, but this story contains one jaw-dropping revelation after another. So, out of fear of spoiling, I'll just say Vultures is beautifully written, amazingly plotted (this is a severe understatement), and so emotionally raw. Tarzian's prose is gorgeous and flowing and reminiscent of an epic saga; his words a meticulously honed knife searing into your heart, preventing you from putting the book down, lest you fear leaving the characters you've become acquainted with alone in the darkness. His world is strange and awe-inspiring, one that he allows you to catch glimpses of, leaving you wanting more. And finally, peeling away the layers to learn more about the grand scheme is one highly rewarding experience.
The Demon Prime is a force of nature, a wind that begins as a whisper and evolves into a storm of madness that you cannot comprehend.
I feel that anything I say will not give this story the justice it deserves, as it's one you need to personally experience. It's earnest, tackling some pretty personal and serious themes, such as loss and depression, never skirting around the severity of their terrible effects. However, we're always reminded that there is the light of dawn on the horizon. I've mentioned this in the past, and I'll continue to express how excited I always am to dive into the works of a new author, and this is definitely no exception. Vultures is simply one of the most stunning debuts I've ever read and a beautiful beginning to The Shadow Twins Trilogy. I highly recommend you give this one a try.
Note: A HUGE thanks to the author who provided me with an advanced copy of this book.
August 29, 2020
I’ve been on a self published kick, of late, for a few reasons. One. I want to support authors like myself. We’re in it together and all that. Two, the last two trad pub books I read (both finales) were huge letdowns. And three, I’ve been in the mood for something different. Luke Tarzian’s Vultures definitely delivers on being something different.
Backing up, I came across Luke’s writing in an anthology book called Dark Ends. I was immediately intrigued. His story was a dark and haunting tale that equal parts captivated and confused me. I enjoyed it, and though it wasn’t my favorite story in the anthology (Dragon Meat was), it was the one that pulled me the most. So I picked up Vultures as my next read.
i certainly wasn’t disappointed. The first thing that stood out is the writing. I don’t know how he keeps up that level of beauty for the duration of the book. The prose itself is phenomenal.
In terms of story, you have Theailys An, an emotionally crushed guy seeking to recreate a powerful magically weapon from far in the past called the Keeper’s Wrath. He has a particular set of powers that allows him to do this. Oh, and he's possessed by a sort of demon. Serece, an immortal/plague-ridden woman, hates Thealiys, but finds that their paths are interwoven. Given that Theailys looks a lot like a man from the past who used the Keeper's Wrath to destroy, well, a shit ton of stuff, she seeks to find out exactly why that might be the case.
There is a definite theme of balance through out. Light requires darkness. Peace requires entropy. The worldbuilding in general is really well-done; the world seems dark, gritty. A little mad. Demons taking over the bodies and minds of humans contribute to that. There was one scene, from the past, that particularly stood out as intense.
My biggest complaint was that, with all of the shifting timelines, I definitely lost track of what was going on at times. I like to think I'm a pretty savvy reader and can hold a lot in my memory, but even so, I struggle to figure out the connections or motivations of the different characters. If you are looking for a story that is an easy read, this probably isn't the one for you. If you are willing to work for it, you will enjoy it.
Overall, glad I read this and give it four stars. I'll definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out. Especially after that ending!
Backing up, I came across Luke’s writing in an anthology book called Dark Ends. I was immediately intrigued. His story was a dark and haunting tale that equal parts captivated and confused me. I enjoyed it, and though it wasn’t my favorite story in the anthology (Dragon Meat was), it was the one that pulled me the most. So I picked up Vultures as my next read.
i certainly wasn’t disappointed. The first thing that stood out is the writing. I don’t know how he keeps up that level of beauty for the duration of the book. The prose itself is phenomenal.
In terms of story, you have Theailys An, an emotionally crushed guy seeking to recreate a powerful magically weapon from far in the past called the Keeper’s Wrath. He has a particular set of powers that allows him to do this. Oh, and he's possessed by a sort of demon. Serece, an immortal/plague-ridden woman, hates Thealiys, but finds that their paths are interwoven. Given that Theailys looks a lot like a man from the past who used the Keeper's Wrath to destroy, well, a shit ton of stuff, she seeks to find out exactly why that might be the case.
There is a definite theme of balance through out. Light requires darkness. Peace requires entropy. The worldbuilding in general is really well-done; the world seems dark, gritty. A little mad. Demons taking over the bodies and minds of humans contribute to that. There was one scene, from the past, that particularly stood out as intense.
My biggest complaint was that, with all of the shifting timelines, I definitely lost track of what was going on at times. I like to think I'm a pretty savvy reader and can hold a lot in my memory, but even so, I struggle to figure out the connections or motivations of the different characters. If you are looking for a story that is an easy read, this probably isn't the one for you. If you are willing to work for it, you will enjoy it.
Overall, glad I read this and give it four stars. I'll definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out. Especially after that ending!
January 10, 2020
I flew through this book! Luke writes so smoothly and rich~ The world is dark and ominous, infested with demons. There is dark/ Mirkur and light/Illum magic both with their own traits. You get to know characters one by one and how their paths are starting to cross. Something bigger pushing the strings. You feel it but it is not certain yet. And while you follow the characters all of them having their own inner demons to battle you find out there is a darker force. Something lurking and influencing people. I loved being trapped in this engrossing storytelling where things are not what they seem and far more out of control than you kept hoping for. Theailys is set on stopping the war and destroying the Heart of Mirkur. I really enjoyed the idea of Theailys having a presence that is evil and takes over him, killing people. And although I kept being lured into the plot I find it hard to retell! There is so much back and forth between now and what has previously happened. We are reliving a moment in time with new characters who are I believe reborn from the past who have gone through the same path ( or time has been reset and it is replaying differently)...unknowingly helping Te Mirkvahil who is this evil immortal presence.
And I can only say that I suck at mindfuckery haha. I can't follow that easily and remember the links. But still I enjoyed it immensely! I have had this before with some books. It is explained in the books but I simply forgot cause there are many names/ shifting between thoughts and other presences. Evil then evil now and their goals. It is done very smartly. It just went over my head and I lost track, loosing the more indepth story plot. But stil having fun.
I sound lame haha! Def read it though, especially if you like a story with many questions and confusion that slowly unravels.
And I can only say that I suck at mindfuckery haha. I can't follow that easily and remember the links. But still I enjoyed it immensely! I have had this before with some books. It is explained in the books but I simply forgot cause there are many names/ shifting between thoughts and other presences. Evil then evil now and their goals. It is done very smartly. It just went over my head and I lost track, loosing the more indepth story plot. But stil having fun.
I sound lame haha! Def read it though, especially if you like a story with many questions and confusion that slowly unravels.
June 16, 2019
I really enjoyed Vultures, and the 4 stars rating is more like 4.25+. Very much recommended to those who like their fantasy poetic, literary, and philosophical, but still want all the classical fantasy magic and demon-fighting, too.
This is a very ethereal, dreamlike book, whose writing style only serves to heighten the strange world in which one is never sure whether the voices in the character's heads really exist or not. Half the suspense for me lay in trying to figure out what was actually going on... and I don't mean that in a bad way. This is a book in which the reader is dumped into a world that bewilders the characters as much as anyone else. At every turn, the characters are forced to confront hard philosophical questions that will ultimately affect the fates of their loved ones, as well as thousands of people. Is it truth? Is it madness? If I operate from good intentions, will it save me from doing evil? The physical plot gets a bit twisty, too, which is always a bonus for me as a reader.
Because of the dreamlike nature of the book, the characters are held at a bit of a distance, but I still found myself building a relationship with them... and particularly with the tortured yet determined protagonist, Theailys An. I liked Theailys, and I thought the treatment of what *might* be his mental illness was fascinating and realistic. Sometimes I did wish that the emotional reactions of the characters were explored a little more deeply. There was one event in particular that seemed like it ought to have hit with many more shock waves than it caused... and I could never figure out if the reactions were reasonable because of the way the world was constructed or if there really should have been more of them. So... this issue may just be a personal one.
(As a sidenote, I loved all the names in the book, but my favorite was Phantaxis/the Phantaxians. I love it when the names reinforce the overall feeling and tone of the book, and in this case, I definitely thought they did.)
If you like your fantasy magic-heavy with good vs. evil battles and a healthy dash of philosophy and poetry thrown in, then you'll definitely want to give Vultures a try. And after that ending, I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!
This is a very ethereal, dreamlike book, whose writing style only serves to heighten the strange world in which one is never sure whether the voices in the character's heads really exist or not. Half the suspense for me lay in trying to figure out what was actually going on... and I don't mean that in a bad way. This is a book in which the reader is dumped into a world that bewilders the characters as much as anyone else. At every turn, the characters are forced to confront hard philosophical questions that will ultimately affect the fates of their loved ones, as well as thousands of people. Is it truth? Is it madness? If I operate from good intentions, will it save me from doing evil? The physical plot gets a bit twisty, too, which is always a bonus for me as a reader.
Because of the dreamlike nature of the book, the characters are held at a bit of a distance, but I still found myself building a relationship with them... and particularly with the tortured yet determined protagonist, Theailys An. I liked Theailys, and I thought the treatment of what *might* be his mental illness was fascinating and realistic. Sometimes I did wish that the emotional reactions of the characters were explored a little more deeply. There was one event in particular that seemed like it ought to have hit with many more shock waves than it caused... and I could never figure out if the reactions were reasonable because of the way the world was constructed or if there really should have been more of them. So... this issue may just be a personal one.
(As a sidenote, I loved all the names in the book, but my favorite was Phantaxis/the Phantaxians. I love it when the names reinforce the overall feeling and tone of the book, and in this case, I definitely thought they did.)
If you like your fantasy magic-heavy with good vs. evil battles and a healthy dash of philosophy and poetry thrown in, then you'll definitely want to give Vultures a try. And after that ending, I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!
October 2, 2020
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2020...
I really enjoyed Tarzian’s prequel for this series, so I was looking forward to this first book!
While I liked Tarzian’s writing style, it’s easy to read, I unfortunately found myself not enjoying the novel.
The storyline was muddled through all the characters, at times it seemed there were too many to keep up with and most of them were little to no consequence as the real players here were spirits/gods/entities that seemed to be in actual control. The time paradoxes and parables and whatnots were just too much, as was the switching around of POVs/locations.
While the storyline suffered for me with the confusion, the characters were not at all relatable, and I don’t mean that they were so evil that I couldn’t relate but that they were really quite shallow and had zero development. I didn’t actually like any characters in the book. I’ve been known to favour plot-based stories but because the plot was convoluted in this one for me it means I couldn’t even fall back on the characters to save the read.
This doesn’t make it a bad read, in fact I seem to be in the minority for the rating I gave it, it just wasn’t the right read for me. I did like where the ending seemed to be going but I’ll not give away spoilers. Perhaps I wasn’t in the right mindset for it, but it was an intriguing premise and didn’t lack in creativity.
Thank you to WriteReads Tours for a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed Tarzian’s prequel for this series, so I was looking forward to this first book!
While I liked Tarzian’s writing style, it’s easy to read, I unfortunately found myself not enjoying the novel.
The storyline was muddled through all the characters, at times it seemed there were too many to keep up with and most of them were little to no consequence as the real players here were spirits/gods/entities that seemed to be in actual control. The time paradoxes and parables and whatnots were just too much, as was the switching around of POVs/locations.
While the storyline suffered for me with the confusion, the characters were not at all relatable, and I don’t mean that they were so evil that I couldn’t relate but that they were really quite shallow and had zero development. I didn’t actually like any characters in the book. I’ve been known to favour plot-based stories but because the plot was convoluted in this one for me it means I couldn’t even fall back on the characters to save the read.
This doesn’t make it a bad read, in fact I seem to be in the minority for the rating I gave it, it just wasn’t the right read for me. I did like where the ending seemed to be going but I’ll not give away spoilers. Perhaps I wasn’t in the right mindset for it, but it was an intriguing premise and didn’t lack in creativity.
Thank you to WriteReads Tours for a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
July 27, 2024
Vultures wasn't what I expected. This was a rare experience.
Vultures is a challenging read from the start, with a story that doesn’t become easier to follow but definitely becomes more intriguing as you progress. The initial confusion is daunting, but once you grasp the unfolding events, the complexity remains, making it a book that demands time and effort. What you are about to read, is not a beach read.
But I am not saying you shouldn't pick this book up, you absolutely should. Being challenged was refreshing, as it's been a while since a book required this level of engagement from me.
Tarzian's writing is undeniably strong and powerful, crafting a world that is uniquely creative, dark, and bleak. The themes of light vs. dark and good vs. evil are prevalent, but the story goes deeper into the concept of balance—you can’t have one without the other.
The non-linear structure, however, poses a significant hurdle. It's easy to lose track of the various timelines, and despite being accustomed to non-linear narratives, I often found myself confused. I actually decided to take notes, which I don't usually do. Taking notes while reading slowed me down, but this extra effort ultimately added to the experience. Vultures is not a book to pick up casually; it requires the right mindset and a willingness to invest in it. So at this point what I kind of criticise turns out to be a positive point because Luke Tarzian puts a huge amount of faith in his readers. How rare is this? He doesn't hold your hand but also gives you the confidence to walk the way. If you trust the process, it pays off.
The saying, "you won't remember all the books you read, but you will remember how they made you feel," perfectly encapsulates my experience with Vultures. It felt like a powerful, beautifully written punch. Despite its complexities, the book left a strong impression, and I am eager to read the sequel—especially after that ending.
I am actually planning to read Vultures one more time before House of Muir comes out. I think that will be a totally different experience too.
Vultures is a challenging read from the start, with a story that doesn’t become easier to follow but definitely becomes more intriguing as you progress. The initial confusion is daunting, but once you grasp the unfolding events, the complexity remains, making it a book that demands time and effort. What you are about to read, is not a beach read.
But I am not saying you shouldn't pick this book up, you absolutely should. Being challenged was refreshing, as it's been a while since a book required this level of engagement from me.
Tarzian's writing is undeniably strong and powerful, crafting a world that is uniquely creative, dark, and bleak. The themes of light vs. dark and good vs. evil are prevalent, but the story goes deeper into the concept of balance—you can’t have one without the other.
The non-linear structure, however, poses a significant hurdle. It's easy to lose track of the various timelines, and despite being accustomed to non-linear narratives, I often found myself confused. I actually decided to take notes, which I don't usually do. Taking notes while reading slowed me down, but this extra effort ultimately added to the experience. Vultures is not a book to pick up casually; it requires the right mindset and a willingness to invest in it. So at this point what I kind of criticise turns out to be a positive point because Luke Tarzian puts a huge amount of faith in his readers. How rare is this? He doesn't hold your hand but also gives you the confidence to walk the way. If you trust the process, it pays off.
The saying, "you won't remember all the books you read, but you will remember how they made you feel," perfectly encapsulates my experience with Vultures. It felt like a powerful, beautifully written punch. Despite its complexities, the book left a strong impression, and I am eager to read the sequel—especially after that ending.
I am actually planning to read Vultures one more time before House of Muir comes out. I think that will be a totally different experience too.
March 18, 2021
I’ll admit that I am a little unsure how to approach this review. Vultures was one of the most unique approaches to storytelling that I have ever experienced. It was complex, dark, emotional, and raw. The characters are all nuanced and they practically bleed pathos. In many ways this was not an easy read. I was challenged as a reader in ways I haven’t been since Erickson’s Gardens of the Moon. In no way do I want to discourage you, dear reader, from picking up Vultures for yourself; I loved the story I found within, but I was forced to work for it.
We are on your doorstep, monster, and we will see your end. The light is darkest just before the dawn, and when we finally meet, it will be my blade that sets the fire in your eyes and wipes you from this world.
From the beginning, readers are dropped into a world which is seemingly ruled by dualities. Good and evil, light and shadow, law and chaos, truth and madness; all of these things play a part in the narrative and the balance rests on the end of a knife. It is a world plagued by loss (and a literal plague) and the three characters that we follow are each at the edge of defeat when we meet them. A war has been waged between the demon Te Mirkvahíl and the denizens of the world for decades and it has taken its toll on the land. Mirkúr, a sort of dark energy, has been spreading across the land and with it are the lokyn, monsters born of pure evil. It sounds cheesy, but Tarzian’s execution is everything but. This world is dark like no other I have read before. Bleak is an apt descriptor, I think. Mix in the influences of gods, a magical plague, wielders of both light (illum) and shadow (mirkúr) magic, shapeshifters with a few different planes of existence and you have one hell of a creation. Despite the massive undertaking this book is, Tarzian handles the minutiae with care and small worldbuidling tidbits are speckled in over the course of the novel.
Our main cast, Theailys, Serece, and Behtréal, are all utterly broken people dealing with past traumas and, in the case of at least one of them, a possible haunting. Theailys appears to have a literal devil on his shoulder, a manifestation of Te Mirkvahíl, the supposed cause of all the world’s evil. Whether or not that is what it really is or if it is just a figment of his broken psyche, or something else altogether, is never made entirely clear. It’s these little mysteries sprinkled in that made me want to keep reading even when it was hardest to do so. The feeling of hopelessness and madness is pervasive. And, because of the winding narrative and the unreliable narrator, I was often left wondering whether what I had just read was real or not (within the context of the story, obviously. I didn’t actually go insane while reading it.)
Time has little meaning to forever people.
The most impressive thing about Vultures is how fantastically well-plotted it is. I have mentioned this being a difficult read and I stick by that, but not in the way that I mean I did not enjoy it. I did! What I mean is that it took work. The plot is complex and often winding. We are dealt multiple plot lines and narratives from the start and, because of some of the characters’ mental health, we’re not even sure we can trust their point of view. On top of that are the dream sequences! This is where it dips into the realm of the surreal where I was unsure several times whether something was actually happening or if it was just a dream. Because of the often nonlinear way in which the narrative was delivered, we jump back and forth through time, too. This lead to a few confusing moments where I was a little lost in the narrative. Still, Tarzian always managed to carefully bring me back in, more often than not with a huge bomb being dropped in my lap. Not many books force me to go back and reread passages, but it was all the more rewarding when something finally clicked for me.
Overall, Vultures is fantastic and I highly recommend it. It is not an easy read and you should expect to be challenged along the way, but I promise that if you put in the effort you will be rewarded. It is expertly plotted, with twists and turns at every other corner. Vultures is a book that I expect will stick with me for some time. With an ending like that, I cannot wait for the sequel to arrive.
The bold may wisely cage a wolf that wields the power to raise an army, Betréal thought, but it is the arrogant, the ignorant who reach between the bars to slay the wolf’s cubs.
We are on your doorstep, monster, and we will see your end. The light is darkest just before the dawn, and when we finally meet, it will be my blade that sets the fire in your eyes and wipes you from this world.
From the beginning, readers are dropped into a world which is seemingly ruled by dualities. Good and evil, light and shadow, law and chaos, truth and madness; all of these things play a part in the narrative and the balance rests on the end of a knife. It is a world plagued by loss (and a literal plague) and the three characters that we follow are each at the edge of defeat when we meet them. A war has been waged between the demon Te Mirkvahíl and the denizens of the world for decades and it has taken its toll on the land. Mirkúr, a sort of dark energy, has been spreading across the land and with it are the lokyn, monsters born of pure evil. It sounds cheesy, but Tarzian’s execution is everything but. This world is dark like no other I have read before. Bleak is an apt descriptor, I think. Mix in the influences of gods, a magical plague, wielders of both light (illum) and shadow (mirkúr) magic, shapeshifters with a few different planes of existence and you have one hell of a creation. Despite the massive undertaking this book is, Tarzian handles the minutiae with care and small worldbuidling tidbits are speckled in over the course of the novel.
Our main cast, Theailys, Serece, and Behtréal, are all utterly broken people dealing with past traumas and, in the case of at least one of them, a possible haunting. Theailys appears to have a literal devil on his shoulder, a manifestation of Te Mirkvahíl, the supposed cause of all the world’s evil. Whether or not that is what it really is or if it is just a figment of his broken psyche, or something else altogether, is never made entirely clear. It’s these little mysteries sprinkled in that made me want to keep reading even when it was hardest to do so. The feeling of hopelessness and madness is pervasive. And, because of the winding narrative and the unreliable narrator, I was often left wondering whether what I had just read was real or not (within the context of the story, obviously. I didn’t actually go insane while reading it.)
Time has little meaning to forever people.
The most impressive thing about Vultures is how fantastically well-plotted it is. I have mentioned this being a difficult read and I stick by that, but not in the way that I mean I did not enjoy it. I did! What I mean is that it took work. The plot is complex and often winding. We are dealt multiple plot lines and narratives from the start and, because of some of the characters’ mental health, we’re not even sure we can trust their point of view. On top of that are the dream sequences! This is where it dips into the realm of the surreal where I was unsure several times whether something was actually happening or if it was just a dream. Because of the often nonlinear way in which the narrative was delivered, we jump back and forth through time, too. This lead to a few confusing moments where I was a little lost in the narrative. Still, Tarzian always managed to carefully bring me back in, more often than not with a huge bomb being dropped in my lap. Not many books force me to go back and reread passages, but it was all the more rewarding when something finally clicked for me.
Overall, Vultures is fantastic and I highly recommend it. It is not an easy read and you should expect to be challenged along the way, but I promise that if you put in the effort you will be rewarded. It is expertly plotted, with twists and turns at every other corner. Vultures is a book that I expect will stick with me for some time. With an ending like that, I cannot wait for the sequel to arrive.
The bold may wisely cage a wolf that wields the power to raise an army, Betréal thought, but it is the arrogant, the ignorant who reach between the bars to slay the wolf’s cubs.
Read
November 14, 2024Luke Tarzian's wonderfully complex book is an ambitious and mesmerising read.
I have read a lot of reviews about Vultures and wondered what I was getting myself into. I had read that it was difficult. That it required thought and concentration. Was I ready for this?
Well the answer to this was yes! I think I was!
Now I had this book before I was accepted on the blog tour and was always immensley interested about Luke Tarzian's debut. The blog tour just solidified my resolve to actually get on with it. So with a deep breath, I plunged into the book.
I have to say that I didn't know what I was expecting at first, but suffice it to say the book confounded all my expectations and pulled me along breathlessly towards the end.
One of the things that I like about Luke Tarzian's writing is that it places an incredible amount of faith in the reader, in that you are going to go with the flow of the story. That you are willing to enter into this world and trust that, whilst at times you may not understand it all, you are willing to suspend your preconceptions and follow the tale regardless of where it goes.
Whilst the structure of the book does not follow conventional rules, the actual plot does have sembelences of epic fantasy. We have the dark force - Te Mirkvahil. We have the chosen hero - Theilys An and we have the hunt for the weapon that will destroy the said dark force.
However, it is what Luke Tarzian does with these conventions that makes the book something else. The book reminds me of a dry stone wall, in that there are solid foundations, but how the hell is the rest of it going to stand up? Somehow, as if by magic, it does. And the reason for this is because Luke Tarzian uses words like stones to create something magical.
The story takes place in a world where everything has been devastated by Te Mirkvahil, who has unleased a hoard of demons to ravage the land and the people.
There are many different characters, but the narrative centres on three main points of view, Theilys An, a demon posessed warrior who dissacociates when the demon inside him takes over to destroy the Lokyns (the nasty evil types), and when he wakes he usually wakes to find scenes of devastation . Serece, a plague infected phantaxian, who may or may not be posessed by a goddess, and Behtreal, a mysterious figure trying to resurrect a lost people, who again may be possessed by a demon. However, there other characters and points of view that add to the story and bring different perspectives.
With any fantasy book, you have to mention the magic systems and the world building, and again Luke Tarzian's magic systems are orignal and complex. There's Mirkur, which is a power that was used by Behtreal and Thealys An, which seems to be a power borne of darkness, and then there's Illum which grants the user the power to interpret dreams and premonitions. And then there's Yssa which is the dreaded power of the phantaxians which when used can have a disasterous effect.
On top of that, the world building is beguiling, it flits between the real and unreal, the corporeal and the incorporeal seamlessly. Sometimes, I wasn't entirely sure of where I was, but once I learnt that this was the structure of the book, I just went with it.
Added to this are the characters. At times I found them likeable and understandable, other times they frustrated me. At other times, I didn't know what I thought. But one thing is for sure is that Luke Tarzian certainly writes characters with depth.
Ultimately, I found Vultures to be a compelling read that I will need to revist at some point and get the full effect of Luke Tarzian's dreamlike writing, and knowing that there is more to this story fills me with longing for the next one.
I have read a lot of reviews about Vultures and wondered what I was getting myself into. I had read that it was difficult. That it required thought and concentration. Was I ready for this?
Well the answer to this was yes! I think I was!
Now I had this book before I was accepted on the blog tour and was always immensley interested about Luke Tarzian's debut. The blog tour just solidified my resolve to actually get on with it. So with a deep breath, I plunged into the book.
I have to say that I didn't know what I was expecting at first, but suffice it to say the book confounded all my expectations and pulled me along breathlessly towards the end.
One of the things that I like about Luke Tarzian's writing is that it places an incredible amount of faith in the reader, in that you are going to go with the flow of the story. That you are willing to enter into this world and trust that, whilst at times you may not understand it all, you are willing to suspend your preconceptions and follow the tale regardless of where it goes.
Whilst the structure of the book does not follow conventional rules, the actual plot does have sembelences of epic fantasy. We have the dark force - Te Mirkvahil. We have the chosen hero - Theilys An and we have the hunt for the weapon that will destroy the said dark force.
However, it is what Luke Tarzian does with these conventions that makes the book something else. The book reminds me of a dry stone wall, in that there are solid foundations, but how the hell is the rest of it going to stand up? Somehow, as if by magic, it does. And the reason for this is because Luke Tarzian uses words like stones to create something magical.
The story takes place in a world where everything has been devastated by Te Mirkvahil, who has unleased a hoard of demons to ravage the land and the people.
There are many different characters, but the narrative centres on three main points of view, Theilys An, a demon posessed warrior who dissacociates when the demon inside him takes over to destroy the Lokyns (the nasty evil types), and when he wakes he usually wakes to find scenes of devastation . Serece, a plague infected phantaxian, who may or may not be posessed by a goddess, and Behtreal, a mysterious figure trying to resurrect a lost people, who again may be possessed by a demon. However, there other characters and points of view that add to the story and bring different perspectives.
With any fantasy book, you have to mention the magic systems and the world building, and again Luke Tarzian's magic systems are orignal and complex. There's Mirkur, which is a power that was used by Behtreal and Thealys An, which seems to be a power borne of darkness, and then there's Illum which grants the user the power to interpret dreams and premonitions. And then there's Yssa which is the dreaded power of the phantaxians which when used can have a disasterous effect.
On top of that, the world building is beguiling, it flits between the real and unreal, the corporeal and the incorporeal seamlessly. Sometimes, I wasn't entirely sure of where I was, but once I learnt that this was the structure of the book, I just went with it.
Added to this are the characters. At times I found them likeable and understandable, other times they frustrated me. At other times, I didn't know what I thought. But one thing is for sure is that Luke Tarzian certainly writes characters with depth.
Ultimately, I found Vultures to be a compelling read that I will need to revist at some point and get the full effect of Luke Tarzian's dreamlike writing, and knowing that there is more to this story fills me with longing for the next one.
October 2, 2020
It took me a while to get into the story primarily because I felt like in just a short time span, a lot of burdens have been thrown at me. But once I get into the story, I was immersed. The author has given me such a well-crafted tale that is surely not for the faint of heart. This is not a happy story. Humans are being slaughtered by corpses that only increase their numbers the more they kill. Sure, this is one of those light vs. dark stories, especially considering the characters, but vultures is far from being cliche. The plot is really complex and layered and there are lots of mysteries. There are mysteries in every mystery and this goes on till the end of the book.
The author also created a fictional world that has the most intriguing history I’ve read in a while. For me, the best part of a fantasy story is the world-building and I think the author did a great job at it in this book. Sure, there are still a lot of things that I don’t know, in fact, more than few parts of the world seem vague to me when I reached the end but this is only a first in a series and there’s still plenty of time for development and reveals.
I loved following the journey of the main character simply because they have such interesting backstories and they don’t just have external battles but also internal ones. I always like the concept of characters having a demon inside them. It gives depth to the characters though I think regarding all the characters in this book, which are a lot, they didn’t quite achieve that depth I was hoping for. Don’t get me wrong, the characters are not badly written but I think they should be explored more, maybe emotionally? Because even though I connected to them, especially Theailys, still I couldn’t help feeling that they’re distant.
Obviously, I have little issues here and there but overall, this is such a great and enjoyable read. I am excited to read the next books in the series, to be honest.
The author also created a fictional world that has the most intriguing history I’ve read in a while. For me, the best part of a fantasy story is the world-building and I think the author did a great job at it in this book. Sure, there are still a lot of things that I don’t know, in fact, more than few parts of the world seem vague to me when I reached the end but this is only a first in a series and there’s still plenty of time for development and reveals.
I loved following the journey of the main character simply because they have such interesting backstories and they don’t just have external battles but also internal ones. I always like the concept of characters having a demon inside them. It gives depth to the characters though I think regarding all the characters in this book, which are a lot, they didn’t quite achieve that depth I was hoping for. Don’t get me wrong, the characters are not badly written but I think they should be explored more, maybe emotionally? Because even though I connected to them, especially Theailys, still I couldn’t help feeling that they’re distant.
Obviously, I have little issues here and there but overall, this is such a great and enjoyable read. I am excited to read the next books in the series, to be honest.
February 17, 2021
You know a book is good when at any point you set it down and ask yourself “WTF?” When a book messes with my mind a bit, when I have to stop and ponder it a while, when I have to ask myself how did all that fit together…that’s usually a book I love. Sometimes it means a book is bad and that the author did a horrible job with plotting the narrative, but usually it’s a sign of a book that is working on multiple levels to make me think and to move me. Vultures by Luke Tarzian is one of those WTF books that left me wondering what was going on, that shifted my thoughts around, and all the while managed to keep me engaged every step of the way
What I liked
WTF Did I Read
Character Driven
Dark Fantasy
WTF did I read? That was my overwhelming thought every time I picked up Vultures. This is a book that plays on the readers mind in a myriad of ways. There’s just so much to it I don’t think I can give it justice in this review. It’s a very surreal psychological fantasy, with serious depth in its world building and characterization. Surreal and psychological…I feel like that’s an understatement. There is just SO MUCH going on in the narrative that is slowly revealed; a drip drip of hints and information that help you to slowly put the pieces together. I mean the basic plot is clear and presented very early on. You know where the story is going. But it’s all the detail of how the story got to its current point, all the hidden secrets and revelations about things even the characters are none the wiser about that make Vultures a compelling read.
It is evident Tarzian put a lot of effort into creating the world of The Shadow Twins series. There is layer upon layer of history and possibility, of what was and what may be, a complex weave of detail that isn’t all explained or shown outright. It’s a book that trusts the reader A LOT to put pieces together as more and more is revealed about the world, its peoples, the characters, and the narrative timeline. To do this Tarzian moves through time, past and present, and at times blends the two. At times I wondered what was really happening, what was real, or if much of it was all an illusion.
Vultures is very much a character driven story. There is action sure, but its the characters and their development that take center stage. And soon you realize that some of the characters are more than you expected…as in perhaps more than one person at the same time. You quickly begin to wonder are they possessed? Are they multiple people in different timelines? Something else? This kind of characterization runs the risk of getting very messy, very quickly, but Tarzian keeps a tight control over it all and drops hints and details at just the right times to keep the reader in the story and not get lost.
Vultures is also a very dark fantasy. There’s a little gore to be sure, but that’s not really what I mean. It’s the exploration of themes of regret, grief, and pain and the skillful way Tarzian probes their depths that make the darkness stand out. The world in which the narrative is set is on the darker side to begin with. It’s a world at war with demons. That already sets a tone and feel that is less than cheery. The war and the demons are never out of view. On top of that Tarzian has acknowledged the people living in such a world would struggle with issues we might consider seeing a counselor for. Each of the characters in the novel have suffered and continue to suffer. Each has serious regrets about actions in their past. Each is suffering immensely from grief. And each one experiences a level of pain from that regret and grief that they cannot numb or heal. As they slowly learn more about the past and about their own being these themes intensify and they must contend with them or be vanquished. Much of the character development in the book is wrapped up in how they become aware of and deal with these issues. It is an aspect of the novel that is really well done.
What I Struggled With
WTF Did I Read
Ok, this isn’t really fair and I admit that here. I really enjoyed the “what is going on?” aspect of the whole thing. There wasn’t really anything I personally didn’t like about this book. But I recognize some readers might struggle with the WTF nature of the book and I want to mention it here. As I said above it is complex, it isn’t wrapped up in a nice neat package with a bow on top and handed to the reader. It is instead doled out incrementally and you don’t start at the beginning. As I also noted above this book trusts the reader to put many of the pieces together as they read, and as such the reader has to trust the author to deliver. Tarzian DOES deliver, but I know there a many readers out there who just don’t like this kind of narrative. That is fine. We all like what we like and dislike what we dislike. Just be forewarned if you don’t like not knowing what really is going on for oh…most of the book you may not enjoy this read.
Overall Thoughts
I really, really enjoyed this read. I’d seen other reviewers talk about it an kept kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I could kick myself again. It is dark, complex, and well crafted. The whole time I was trying to piece together what was going on and what was “real” within the story and at no time did I want to give up and set it down. Tarzian does a fantastic job developing the characters, their motivations, and their being. The word building was similarly intricate and deep. The exploration of theme and feeling helped wrap and bind it all together. I fell into the story and like the characters themselves I wanted to dig deeper and discover the truth behind it all. I’m still sitting here trying to wrap my head around the conclusion, what it means, when it occurs within the narrative, and how it might impact the next book in the series. Tarzian has found a new fan and I’ll definitely be reading the prequel novella The World Maker Parable before the year is out.
What I liked
WTF Did I Read
Character Driven
Dark Fantasy
WTF did I read? That was my overwhelming thought every time I picked up Vultures. This is a book that plays on the readers mind in a myriad of ways. There’s just so much to it I don’t think I can give it justice in this review. It’s a very surreal psychological fantasy, with serious depth in its world building and characterization. Surreal and psychological…I feel like that’s an understatement. There is just SO MUCH going on in the narrative that is slowly revealed; a drip drip of hints and information that help you to slowly put the pieces together. I mean the basic plot is clear and presented very early on. You know where the story is going. But it’s all the detail of how the story got to its current point, all the hidden secrets and revelations about things even the characters are none the wiser about that make Vultures a compelling read.
It is evident Tarzian put a lot of effort into creating the world of The Shadow Twins series. There is layer upon layer of history and possibility, of what was and what may be, a complex weave of detail that isn’t all explained or shown outright. It’s a book that trusts the reader A LOT to put pieces together as more and more is revealed about the world, its peoples, the characters, and the narrative timeline. To do this Tarzian moves through time, past and present, and at times blends the two. At times I wondered what was really happening, what was real, or if much of it was all an illusion.
Vultures is very much a character driven story. There is action sure, but its the characters and their development that take center stage. And soon you realize that some of the characters are more than you expected…as in perhaps more than one person at the same time. You quickly begin to wonder are they possessed? Are they multiple people in different timelines? Something else? This kind of characterization runs the risk of getting very messy, very quickly, but Tarzian keeps a tight control over it all and drops hints and details at just the right times to keep the reader in the story and not get lost.
Vultures is also a very dark fantasy. There’s a little gore to be sure, but that’s not really what I mean. It’s the exploration of themes of regret, grief, and pain and the skillful way Tarzian probes their depths that make the darkness stand out. The world in which the narrative is set is on the darker side to begin with. It’s a world at war with demons. That already sets a tone and feel that is less than cheery. The war and the demons are never out of view. On top of that Tarzian has acknowledged the people living in such a world would struggle with issues we might consider seeing a counselor for. Each of the characters in the novel have suffered and continue to suffer. Each has serious regrets about actions in their past. Each is suffering immensely from grief. And each one experiences a level of pain from that regret and grief that they cannot numb or heal. As they slowly learn more about the past and about their own being these themes intensify and they must contend with them or be vanquished. Much of the character development in the book is wrapped up in how they become aware of and deal with these issues. It is an aspect of the novel that is really well done.
What I Struggled With
WTF Did I Read
Ok, this isn’t really fair and I admit that here. I really enjoyed the “what is going on?” aspect of the whole thing. There wasn’t really anything I personally didn’t like about this book. But I recognize some readers might struggle with the WTF nature of the book and I want to mention it here. As I said above it is complex, it isn’t wrapped up in a nice neat package with a bow on top and handed to the reader. It is instead doled out incrementally and you don’t start at the beginning. As I also noted above this book trusts the reader to put many of the pieces together as they read, and as such the reader has to trust the author to deliver. Tarzian DOES deliver, but I know there a many readers out there who just don’t like this kind of narrative. That is fine. We all like what we like and dislike what we dislike. Just be forewarned if you don’t like not knowing what really is going on for oh…most of the book you may not enjoy this read.
Overall Thoughts
I really, really enjoyed this read. I’d seen other reviewers talk about it an kept kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I could kick myself again. It is dark, complex, and well crafted. The whole time I was trying to piece together what was going on and what was “real” within the story and at no time did I want to give up and set it down. Tarzian does a fantastic job developing the characters, their motivations, and their being. The word building was similarly intricate and deep. The exploration of theme and feeling helped wrap and bind it all together. I fell into the story and like the characters themselves I wanted to dig deeper and discover the truth behind it all. I’m still sitting here trying to wrap my head around the conclusion, what it means, when it occurs within the narrative, and how it might impact the next book in the series. Tarzian has found a new fan and I’ll definitely be reading the prequel novella The World Maker Parable before the year is out.
December 31, 2019
Life isn’t just a collection of everything bright and clear and colorful. There exists within all of us the deep truths of existence. These truths drive us to excel, to create beautiful distractions, to shout into the empty void of the cosmos that we exist and that we matter. In the end, the shadow cast by the flame of our lives is immutable;
One day those we love must die.
One day we must die.
There are those among us, however, who have stared into the black abyss within and refused to despair. They reshape themselves, turning themselves into a black-flamed candle whose light illuminates the darkness.
Such rare souls show us what we overlook in our zeal to avoid the truth; there is beauty hidden within the dark places of our souls.
Luke Tarzian is one of those rare individuals.
Vultures is the first book in the Shadow Twins series and the first professional release of Luke Tarzian’s career.
Make no mistake; It. Is. Awesome.
Profound, elegantly paced, set in a world fully-realized and just as wonderfully flawed as our own, Vultures sets the scene and tone from the first page and refuses to relent.
It is refreshing to see a book try to grapple with one of the most stark questions of fantasy; what happens after the prophecy is fulfilled and the ultimate evil is destroyed.
As it is with our own lives, just because we've won the battle doesn't mean we always win the war.
I have to be brutally honest with you: This read took me quite some time. I frequently had to turn off the screen and seek out the furry ball of claws who runs our household for comfort. In a deeply ironic and fitting metaphor for the source material, such comfort often involved scratch marks.
If you’re willing to give yourself a chance to breathe, if you’re willing to lose yourself to a world eager to swallow you whole and turn you into something new, then Vultures is the book for you.
Luke Tarzian’s work is a modern-age revival of the stylings of Edgar Allan Poe.
Gaze upon the dark majesty of his work and marvel at the beauty shrouded in blackness.
One day those we love must die.
One day we must die.
There are those among us, however, who have stared into the black abyss within and refused to despair. They reshape themselves, turning themselves into a black-flamed candle whose light illuminates the darkness.
Such rare souls show us what we overlook in our zeal to avoid the truth; there is beauty hidden within the dark places of our souls.
Luke Tarzian is one of those rare individuals.
Vultures is the first book in the Shadow Twins series and the first professional release of Luke Tarzian’s career.
Make no mistake; It. Is. Awesome.
Profound, elegantly paced, set in a world fully-realized and just as wonderfully flawed as our own, Vultures sets the scene and tone from the first page and refuses to relent.
It is refreshing to see a book try to grapple with one of the most stark questions of fantasy; what happens after the prophecy is fulfilled and the ultimate evil is destroyed.
As it is with our own lives, just because we've won the battle doesn't mean we always win the war.
I have to be brutally honest with you: This read took me quite some time. I frequently had to turn off the screen and seek out the furry ball of claws who runs our household for comfort. In a deeply ironic and fitting metaphor for the source material, such comfort often involved scratch marks.
If you’re willing to give yourself a chance to breathe, if you’re willing to lose yourself to a world eager to swallow you whole and turn you into something new, then Vultures is the book for you.
Luke Tarzian’s work is a modern-age revival of the stylings of Edgar Allan Poe.
Gaze upon the dark majesty of his work and marvel at the beauty shrouded in blackness.
February 13, 2021
Full review posting today!
Vultures, as with the other books I’ve read from Luke are kind of a black hole, entrancing and this feeling of immensity and beauty, but so hard to get those feelings and thoughts back out into reality. With that being said, I enjoyed every second of it.
I loved that Vultures follows along a much more linear storyline than I got when I read his novelleas that are a part of The Shadow Twins world. Both The World Makers Parable, and The Laughing Heart, I got a weird introduction to the story and world that Centers around the events in Vultures. I found Vultures much easier to follow in comparison, and felt like a had a unique perspective on the events and people.
Keep in mind, Linear, can still have layers. The main storyline here, in this strange and surreal setting, is a fully realized world, and has us following Thealiys An as he journeys to reforge the only weapon that will serve to stop a war that is tearing the world apart. Some of the interesting characters are Serece, whos mother sees her daughter as the source of all her pain and doesn’t hold back when it comes to expressing that misery. Serece, is also the daughter of a king, and niece to an aunt who played a key role in the starting of the war, determined to show Serece hidden Truths intended to help bring an end to the war. Caliean is another veteran of the war, living with the physical and emotional scars of such a horrifying existence, and also with Thealiys to obtain and use said weapon.
What takes things over the edge as far as “normal” goes, is the crossing over to different realms from time to time. We see back to an earlier time and place, sometimes when things were better off, sometimes worse. Sometimes we meet one of the “face” of a superior being, one that is also trying to set things right. Honestly, it’s dark and surrealistic, existing as its own type of dark fantasy, with poetic writing and unique magic all spun up into a thought provoking payoff.
The characters were all enjoyable to me, and the world building steller as usual. Go check it out! 4 1/2 Stars
Vultures, as with the other books I’ve read from Luke are kind of a black hole, entrancing and this feeling of immensity and beauty, but so hard to get those feelings and thoughts back out into reality. With that being said, I enjoyed every second of it.
I loved that Vultures follows along a much more linear storyline than I got when I read his novelleas that are a part of The Shadow Twins world. Both The World Makers Parable, and The Laughing Heart, I got a weird introduction to the story and world that Centers around the events in Vultures. I found Vultures much easier to follow in comparison, and felt like a had a unique perspective on the events and people.
Keep in mind, Linear, can still have layers. The main storyline here, in this strange and surreal setting, is a fully realized world, and has us following Thealiys An as he journeys to reforge the only weapon that will serve to stop a war that is tearing the world apart. Some of the interesting characters are Serece, whos mother sees her daughter as the source of all her pain and doesn’t hold back when it comes to expressing that misery. Serece, is also the daughter of a king, and niece to an aunt who played a key role in the starting of the war, determined to show Serece hidden Truths intended to help bring an end to the war. Caliean is another veteran of the war, living with the physical and emotional scars of such a horrifying existence, and also with Thealiys to obtain and use said weapon.
What takes things over the edge as far as “normal” goes, is the crossing over to different realms from time to time. We see back to an earlier time and place, sometimes when things were better off, sometimes worse. Sometimes we meet one of the “face” of a superior being, one that is also trying to set things right. Honestly, it’s dark and surrealistic, existing as its own type of dark fantasy, with poetic writing and unique magic all spun up into a thought provoking payoff.
The characters were all enjoyable to me, and the world building steller as usual. Go check it out! 4 1/2 Stars
August 10, 2019
We all know transportation takes us from one place to another. Luke Tarzian’s debut novel, “Vultures” transports us to another world. A world we do not know but still feel. Tarzian’s writing grabs your attention at the start and holds its grip all the way through. His keen sense of characters is deep, keeping them vivid as you read. The story moves along as if the awe is happening while you’re reading.
Everyone in “Vultures” is struggling. Most have a demon within them and are struggling to keep these demons from possessing their souls and creating greater havoc. And yet, there is a larger struggle: to end a war that has lasted for a millennium.
One of many heroes is Theailys An. He must find a way to discover ‘truth from madness’. Together with other complexly written hero misfits, each with their own dark personal internal struggles, they go on a dangerous journey to destroy the Heart of Mirkur - an energy of demons - to end the war.
It’s unusual to read a book where both women and men are equal in their strength and weakness, relying only upon themselves to forge on. There are no damsels in distress in Vultures. There is no need for a #metoo movement in the world of Ariath. I could not stop comparing the politics in Vultures with the corruption, greed and prejudices in politics right here on this planet. Although Vultures is set in another world, the similarities are universal.
One cant help but be excited with anticipation for the next chapter in this trilogy.
Everyone in “Vultures” is struggling. Most have a demon within them and are struggling to keep these demons from possessing their souls and creating greater havoc. And yet, there is a larger struggle: to end a war that has lasted for a millennium.
One of many heroes is Theailys An. He must find a way to discover ‘truth from madness’. Together with other complexly written hero misfits, each with their own dark personal internal struggles, they go on a dangerous journey to destroy the Heart of Mirkur - an energy of demons - to end the war.
It’s unusual to read a book where both women and men are equal in their strength and weakness, relying only upon themselves to forge on. There are no damsels in distress in Vultures. There is no need for a #metoo movement in the world of Ariath. I could not stop comparing the politics in Vultures with the corruption, greed and prejudices in politics right here on this planet. Although Vultures is set in another world, the similarities are universal.
One cant help but be excited with anticipation for the next chapter in this trilogy.
October 6, 2020
You would never guess this is Luke Tarzian’s debut novel. He has built an incredible fantasy world where good and evil are in a perpetual battle. His words pull you like a stream of smoke from one page to the next until you reach the end. I admit I was rushing so much by then that I had to read the ending twice to make sure I understood.
Dark fantasy is not my usual genre, but I am pleased to have read this book. It is about so much more than your typical good vs. evil story. I felt it described so much about life and the choices we make every day. Those choices cause ripples that determine the path our lives follow, as well as the people we come in contact with. I will be mulling over aspects of this book for days to come.
Even if you don’t normally read fantasy books, give this one a try. It is well worth the time you invest in reading for the entertainment as well as a glimpse into the realm of possibilities.
Dark fantasy is not my usual genre, but I am pleased to have read this book. It is about so much more than your typical good vs. evil story. I felt it described so much about life and the choices we make every day. Those choices cause ripples that determine the path our lives follow, as well as the people we come in contact with. I will be mulling over aspects of this book for days to come.
Even if you don’t normally read fantasy books, give this one a try. It is well worth the time you invest in reading for the entertainment as well as a glimpse into the realm of possibilities.
Read
March 5, 2025Unfortunately, I had to put this aside into the DNF pile. Not sure why it didn't click for me. It could have been a wrong place, wrong time mindset. Didn't connect with the character goals and motivations and the narrative felt a bit disjointed -- it presented many characters, places, and events without much context and was tough keeping it straight. Kept waiting for a moment when it would start to tie together, but I didn't get that far into it. More patient readers will likely have a better experience with it.
September 29, 2020
I was kindly given a copy of this book to review for a blog tour in exchange for my honest opinion.
I thought that this book was incredible and really enjoyed the plot and the premise that it created for the next book (which I will have to get my hands on ASAP). The plot for this book had me both excited and anxious as the book raced towards the final climax and set up the second book. In fact it all ended very unexpectedly and that was something that I really enjoyed.
The characters were also very intricate and it made the story even more exciting to read, as good characters always do. Their plight was central to the book and I enjoyed the varying perspectives that the reader was given throughout the course of the book.
The writing style was engaging as well and the chapters were a perfect length and this meant that I got through this book very quickly, and am very excited to get to the next book as soon as possible. An interesting world that I would love to know more about.
I thought that this book was incredible and really enjoyed the plot and the premise that it created for the next book (which I will have to get my hands on ASAP). The plot for this book had me both excited and anxious as the book raced towards the final climax and set up the second book. In fact it all ended very unexpectedly and that was something that I really enjoyed.
The characters were also very intricate and it made the story even more exciting to read, as good characters always do. Their plight was central to the book and I enjoyed the varying perspectives that the reader was given throughout the course of the book.
The writing style was engaging as well and the chapters were a perfect length and this meant that I got through this book very quickly, and am very excited to get to the next book as soon as possible. An interesting world that I would love to know more about.
October 1, 2020
This book was so interesting to read. It is full of chaos and it is a story of shadow versus light.
It is depicted really well through the characters: it’s like they have a devil on one shoulder and an Angel on the other.
The main character, Theailys An is an excellent example of shadow vs. light. Quite often, his shadows take over and he is plunged into darkness. He awakens with no memory of what has happened or how he got to where he is.
Serece is the same: she is full of rage and this often takes over too…only she believes her actions are those of a goddess.
I loved the world-building. This author has put so much detail and work into making his world believable. It has really paid off.
This was an amazing read. I can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you to The Write Reads and the author for this review copy!
It is depicted really well through the characters: it’s like they have a devil on one shoulder and an Angel on the other.
The main character, Theailys An is an excellent example of shadow vs. light. Quite often, his shadows take over and he is plunged into darkness. He awakens with no memory of what has happened or how he got to where he is.
Serece is the same: she is full of rage and this often takes over too…only she believes her actions are those of a goddess.
I loved the world-building. This author has put so much detail and work into making his world believable. It has really paid off.
This was an amazing read. I can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you to The Write Reads and the author for this review copy!
December 12, 2019
I'll start this review by noting that Grimdark Fantasy is not, as a general rule, my preferred genre. For those who are unused to this particular style of book, it may take a chapter or two to get used to the language and brutality, and get into the meat of the story.
The good news, for those who do, is that the story itself is quite moving. At its heart is Theailys, a tortured man not in complete control of his own actions, and waging a desperate fight simultaneously against a grotesquely evil horde of flesh-ripping, soul-crunching demons that are ravaging the lands, and the mysterious central adversary behind the scourge, who has surprising depths and history. Both Theailys and his main adversary are also waging simultaneous internal battles that are very well thought out and beautifully textured, and in general they form some of the best sequences in the book. There is a secondary heart, Serece, who could probably go toe-to-toe with Theailys on the psychiatrist's bench, and who comes from a fascinating semi-eternal race of almost-people whose entire backstory you constantly want to know more about. Unfortunately, while her plot starts out quickly, it is eventually subsumed, presumably to be developed more as the series progresses - but that doesn't stop Serece herself from remaining compelling to the end. And then there is a colorful (and plenty-diverse) cast of side-kick characters with their own histories, (proverbial) demons, etc. The irreverent Cailean probably deserves special note here as one of the better-developed side characters I've encountered in the last few years.
The more challenging news, I suppose both good and bad, is that this world is profoundly complex, with a richly thought-out history that feels almost Sandersonian at times - there are ancients, virtual gods, world makers, cursed peoples, unresolved mysteries, double (or triple, or..) identities, and untold sub-personalities, all of which are teased out through dreams, portals, rituals, and a constantly shifting POV that allows you to constantly revisit scenes from seven chapters ago and laugh at what a fool you were back then. The good of course, apart from all the aha! moments, is that you feel like you are seeing just a tiny sliver of a richly textured universe, which should be a fun place to keep exploring as Tarzian keeps writing. The bad is that reading through this book for a first time, you might find yourself trying to remember which ancient grudge is playing out in what way, who some character is supposed to be representing from what time period, how different rivalries or political processes do or are supposed to play out, and why suddenly this character is talking to that one (and are they even real?). The whole book really screams out for some sort of appendix.
That said, this book gets four stars because the goods far outweigh the challenges. Most importantly, I think ultimately what separates good fantasy from bad fantasy is good world-building, because exploring new worlds is half the fun. On that front, I'm happy to say Tarzian has created a fascinating world, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of it.
The good news, for those who do, is that the story itself is quite moving. At its heart is Theailys, a tortured man not in complete control of his own actions, and waging a desperate fight simultaneously against a grotesquely evil horde of flesh-ripping, soul-crunching demons that are ravaging the lands, and the mysterious central adversary behind the scourge, who has surprising depths and history. Both Theailys and his main adversary are also waging simultaneous internal battles that are very well thought out and beautifully textured, and in general they form some of the best sequences in the book. There is a secondary heart, Serece, who could probably go toe-to-toe with Theailys on the psychiatrist's bench, and who comes from a fascinating semi-eternal race of almost-people whose entire backstory you constantly want to know more about. Unfortunately, while her plot starts out quickly, it is eventually subsumed, presumably to be developed more as the series progresses - but that doesn't stop Serece herself from remaining compelling to the end. And then there is a colorful (and plenty-diverse) cast of side-kick characters with their own histories, (proverbial) demons, etc. The irreverent Cailean probably deserves special note here as one of the better-developed side characters I've encountered in the last few years.
The more challenging news, I suppose both good and bad, is that this world is profoundly complex, with a richly thought-out history that feels almost Sandersonian at times - there are ancients, virtual gods, world makers, cursed peoples, unresolved mysteries, double (or triple, or..) identities, and untold sub-personalities, all of which are teased out through dreams, portals, rituals, and a constantly shifting POV that allows you to constantly revisit scenes from seven chapters ago and laugh at what a fool you were back then. The good of course, apart from all the aha! moments, is that you feel like you are seeing just a tiny sliver of a richly textured universe, which should be a fun place to keep exploring as Tarzian keeps writing. The bad is that reading through this book for a first time, you might find yourself trying to remember which ancient grudge is playing out in what way, who some character is supposed to be representing from what time period, how different rivalries or political processes do or are supposed to play out, and why suddenly this character is talking to that one (and are they even real?). The whole book really screams out for some sort of appendix.
That said, this book gets four stars because the goods far outweigh the challenges. Most importantly, I think ultimately what separates good fantasy from bad fantasy is good world-building, because exploring new worlds is half the fun. On that front, I'm happy to say Tarzian has created a fascinating world, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of it.
December 1, 2025
One of the most ambitious hooks I have read this year, Vultures by Luke Tarzian was a bewildering, genre-transcending adventure. The story combines an intricate plot as you might expect from an epic fantasy, a layering of philosophical undertones, some mind-bending time disruption shenanigans, villains straight out of a psychological horror, and a pervasively dark, bleak ambiance.
While I am not entirely sure I was the right audience for a book such as this, there were many elements that I enjoyed, and would recommend it to anyone on the lookout for a haunting, unorthodox story that will challenge you at every turn.
Full review on my blog.
While I am not entirely sure I was the right audience for a book such as this, there were many elements that I enjoyed, and would recommend it to anyone on the lookout for a haunting, unorthodox story that will challenge you at every turn.
Full review on my blog.
July 20, 2020
Wonderful, what a wonderful book. This may be the fastest I have ever read book as well, there is something about Luke's writing that pulls you in, something beautiful. I am so glad I have been able to read this, the blend of the fantasy with the metaphysical was wonderful. A full review will be on my blog soon, but thank you to Luke for creating the extraordinary world of Ariath and allowing us to be there.
August 16, 2019
"Someday, somehow, in another time perhaps, this will all make sense."
I feel like this particular sentence in one of the final chapters really resonated the entire feel of this book. Now, it is obvious from the huge amassing of 5 stars that most people considered it to be fabulous.
Unfortunately, while I opened this book with an open mind without having read beforehand the reviews or plot, I don't read grimdark all that much and it can be a whole deal lot harder to enjoy a book that is well, very grim and depressing.
To a degree, I don't mind stories taking place within depressing societies; I loved Orwell's 1984 for example. But there is a specific reason why I had a bit of a hard time enjoying this specific book:
The world is facing a huge threat of human villages being slaughtered by armies of monstrous corpses called lokyn that harvest the bodies of their victims and only increase their ranks. The war is against the offshoot of a demon called Te Mirkvahíl for apparently the past 500 years. Just that things have quieted down somewhat because general Searyn An managed to partially kill him in a raid around 10 years ago. But the attacks keep on coming and it is up to the perpetually depressive and mentally tormented Theailys An to decide to embark on a journey to the lands of the exiled and diseased immortals called Phantaxians for a material he needs to create a weapon called the Keeper's Wrath that might finish this demon once and for all.
Now, one huge issue I found with this plot is not the dangerous mission to reunite the pieces or the second principal POV story about the bastard Phantaxian princess Serece who killed one of her sisters by accident when she loses control of her beast familiar during a lokyn attack. That part of the book makes a whole deal of sense. It's more... the whole story in itself that goes beyond this. One could argue the writing is quite brilliant in the sense that Luke threads a complex multilayered story of tragic events seemingly repeating themselves, and I have to agree that if you enjoy mysteries and guessing what will happen next, this book will be a thrill to read.
The problem I personally found is that along with the fact I had a hugely hard time connecting with the characters and caring about them during their endless tormenting journey, things start to get increasingly complicated when demigods responsible for creating and destroying worlds are introduced in the story. Worse, threads of plot about side characters wishing to rescue a disgraced god from imprisonment (which might have had a huge importance in the plot later on), only for that thread of story to be forgotten entirely for no apparent reason. Furthermore, I never really understood what a dissident is. Theailys in all respects looks entirely human with physical traits common in the people of his birth city, and he can use both the illumiscent magic called Illum, and apparently the barely legal and socially frowned upon demonic shadow magic called Mikúr. The book never really explains much about mikúr, why it exists, if dissidents have little demon horns or all look human, if wielding both illum and mikúr is commonplace or unique to Theailys and his sister Searyn, etc... Furthermore, while I did enjoy Theailys always having a hard time putting up with the devilish evil voice in his head nicknamed Faro tempting to fully possess him and create havoc, we meet endless characters secretly playing the roles of dozens of characters both unimportant.. and even less important but apparently the supplanted character is important... but not. Further confusing is when the book head hops the real bad guy talking to the other even worse bad guy while both characters play the mental thoughts of the disguised character. I found the book hard to really enjoy because I was confused half of the time.
I liked Fiel's character, and we never really got to understand her true role in the story. I would have wanted the book to focus a bit more on the grief of the characters from their losses: Leyandra's fall from grace because demons stole her magic leaving her as a scarred pariah on forced semi-retirement, Serece for a brief moment is feeling bad for killing her sister, but 95% of the time feels depressed because the world is depressing. It is like she either suppressed the bad memories, doesn't really care about what she did (as in she cared more the fallout from her people than losing her sister). Having lost someone very close to me, I can still remember what it felt like resting on a bed every night and knowing that person was gone, which gave me a feeling of dread and a void within. Theailys and Calidan conveyed their loss very well, but I found Serece's experience to be far more superficial. But since we don't get a lot of backstory on proper Phantaxian society outside of Serece and her eccentric aunt Fiel, perhaps everyone behaves like a Vulcan and they don't show emotions like humans do.
All in all, while I found this book to be a bit hard to read because it confused me perhaps a tad bit too much, a lot of people will surely find it to be enjoying.
Oh, I decided to present this list of typos so that they can be fixed:
Page 18: sad smiled
79: would could
103: had heads were hands
130: genetic? (This isn't a typo per se, but why would a primitive medieval society know what this word means?)
139: capitol offense
211: smiled faded
211: daresay
249: approached (no period at end of sentence)
311: you must run (no period at end of sentence)
I feel like this particular sentence in one of the final chapters really resonated the entire feel of this book. Now, it is obvious from the huge amassing of 5 stars that most people considered it to be fabulous.
Unfortunately, while I opened this book with an open mind without having read beforehand the reviews or plot, I don't read grimdark all that much and it can be a whole deal lot harder to enjoy a book that is well, very grim and depressing.
To a degree, I don't mind stories taking place within depressing societies; I loved Orwell's 1984 for example. But there is a specific reason why I had a bit of a hard time enjoying this specific book:
The world is facing a huge threat of human villages being slaughtered by armies of monstrous corpses called lokyn that harvest the bodies of their victims and only increase their ranks. The war is against the offshoot of a demon called Te Mirkvahíl for apparently the past 500 years. Just that things have quieted down somewhat because general Searyn An managed to partially kill him in a raid around 10 years ago. But the attacks keep on coming and it is up to the perpetually depressive and mentally tormented Theailys An to decide to embark on a journey to the lands of the exiled and diseased immortals called Phantaxians for a material he needs to create a weapon called the Keeper's Wrath that might finish this demon once and for all.
Now, one huge issue I found with this plot is not the dangerous mission to reunite the pieces or the second principal POV story about the bastard Phantaxian princess Serece who killed one of her sisters by accident when she loses control of her beast familiar during a lokyn attack. That part of the book makes a whole deal of sense. It's more... the whole story in itself that goes beyond this. One could argue the writing is quite brilliant in the sense that Luke threads a complex multilayered story of tragic events seemingly repeating themselves, and I have to agree that if you enjoy mysteries and guessing what will happen next, this book will be a thrill to read.
The problem I personally found is that along with the fact I had a hugely hard time connecting with the characters and caring about them during their endless tormenting journey, things start to get increasingly complicated when demigods responsible for creating and destroying worlds are introduced in the story. Worse, threads of plot about side characters wishing to rescue a disgraced god from imprisonment (which might have had a huge importance in the plot later on), only for that thread of story to be forgotten entirely for no apparent reason. Furthermore, I never really understood what a dissident is. Theailys in all respects looks entirely human with physical traits common in the people of his birth city, and he can use both the illumiscent magic called Illum, and apparently the barely legal and socially frowned upon demonic shadow magic called Mikúr. The book never really explains much about mikúr, why it exists, if dissidents have little demon horns or all look human, if wielding both illum and mikúr is commonplace or unique to Theailys and his sister Searyn, etc... Furthermore, while I did enjoy Theailys always having a hard time putting up with the devilish evil voice in his head nicknamed Faro tempting to fully possess him and create havoc, we meet endless characters secretly playing the roles of dozens of characters both unimportant.. and even less important but apparently the supplanted character is important... but not. Further confusing is when the book head hops the real bad guy talking to the other even worse bad guy while both characters play the mental thoughts of the disguised character. I found the book hard to really enjoy because I was confused half of the time.
I liked Fiel's character, and we never really got to understand her true role in the story. I would have wanted the book to focus a bit more on the grief of the characters from their losses: Leyandra's fall from grace because demons stole her magic leaving her as a scarred pariah on forced semi-retirement, Serece for a brief moment is feeling bad for killing her sister, but 95% of the time feels depressed because the world is depressing. It is like she either suppressed the bad memories, doesn't really care about what she did (as in she cared more the fallout from her people than losing her sister). Having lost someone very close to me, I can still remember what it felt like resting on a bed every night and knowing that person was gone, which gave me a feeling of dread and a void within. Theailys and Calidan conveyed their loss very well, but I found Serece's experience to be far more superficial. But since we don't get a lot of backstory on proper Phantaxian society outside of Serece and her eccentric aunt Fiel, perhaps everyone behaves like a Vulcan and they don't show emotions like humans do.
All in all, while I found this book to be a bit hard to read because it confused me perhaps a tad bit too much, a lot of people will surely find it to be enjoying.
Oh, I decided to present this list of typos so that they can be fixed:
Page 18: sad smiled
79: would could
103: had heads were hands
130: genetic? (This isn't a typo per se, but why would a primitive medieval society know what this word means?)
139: capitol offense
211: smiled faded
211: daresay
249: approached (no period at end of sentence)
311: you must run (no period at end of sentence)
Read
October 8, 2020As I mentioned above, this is not the type of book that would draw my attention. That is part of why I enjoy doing tours so much though.
The first thing I noticed is the classical fantasy-style the book felt it was written in. Not only that, there was also almost a poetic style to the writing which made the book very easy to read. I actually enjoyed this and truly did not expect to.
This story, like many of my favorites, is told from multiple POVs. The first is Thealily...his life goal is to eradicate the demons that should have been taken care of after the great battle. You read that right...demons! Now, this ends up reading much like a dark-fantasy and I love that. The second person's perspective we see the story from is Serece. There is a relationship that develops but she is not initially drawn to the man. It began with repulsion but a premonition has led her to what she believes is this person's true purpose and she wants to know who he really is and what he is doing. The final perspective we see in this novel is that of Behtreal. Behtreal has always been alone and is honestly a little mad. I didn't dislike any of the characters, they were each very well developed and I could connect to them.
The absolute best part of this book was the layers of complexity. It was almost as if with every page turn, I was learning something new. The different timelines do a wonderful job of showing the reader the most important events. It has been a while since I was so entangled in a book. I feel like this book pushed me to my limits but in a good way. I felt like I was battling beside them as if it was me who was piecing together the bits of information. This was one of those books where you shut it and sigh in exhaustion. There is a perfect balance of light and shadow and that is what they fight to maintain in this novel. Which, especially in today's society, we can all relate to in one way or another.
World-building is my absolute favorite part of any book and this one was incredible. I kept trying to think of how Tarzian could come up with something like he did for this novel! Pure genius! In the end, this book took me by complete surprise. It did start a little slow, but most do because there is a lot readers need to learn. It took off from there, it was difficult to put down. I was whisked away into the layers of this complex, dark fantasy and I was happy yet sad that it had to end. The good news...? This is a series!
If you are looking for a book that will take you on a complex journey that you are not expecting...this is the book for that. What are you waiting for? Head over to Amazon to grab your copy today! P.S. It si FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
July 11, 2019
A strong opening to a trilogy I can't wait to finish, dark fantasy at its best. A fast read at just over 300 pages, the story follows Theailys, Serece and Behtreal in a twisting journey where many things aren't what you'd expect. The novel is sparsely written, yet Tarzian manages to still vividly evoke his characters and setting with gorgeous prose and a strong self-deprecating humor throughout.
Set in a world fighting off what they hope is the end of a demon (lokyn) invasion, the characters are all battle-scarred and fighting their own inner demons. Theailys especially struggles even with his own sanity, in a refreshing take on mental health in fantasy genre. The book is high fantasy with a healthy dose of psychological and philosophical exploration, but never loses its momentum. It never becomes distracting, but rather deeply ingrained in the plot. It was so much fun to get to fully explore the antagonist, Behtreal, as well, slowly revealing the history that is so integral the the present plot. I am someone who hates reading stories told to discuss a specific issue, here these struggles are simply part of who the characters are, and the natural diversity exists without comment.
Tarzian creates a brand new (damaged) fantasy world for us to explore with Phantaxians, Dissident, Light-bringers, and more with fun twists like the characters riding shaghounds rather than horses. And with a fun, colorful, and highly creative group of side characters it isn't hard to see how book two will develop into something even more.
Set in a world fighting off what they hope is the end of a demon (lokyn) invasion, the characters are all battle-scarred and fighting their own inner demons. Theailys especially struggles even with his own sanity, in a refreshing take on mental health in fantasy genre. The book is high fantasy with a healthy dose of psychological and philosophical exploration, but never loses its momentum. It never becomes distracting, but rather deeply ingrained in the plot. It was so much fun to get to fully explore the antagonist, Behtreal, as well, slowly revealing the history that is so integral the the present plot. I am someone who hates reading stories told to discuss a specific issue, here these struggles are simply part of who the characters are, and the natural diversity exists without comment.
Tarzian creates a brand new (damaged) fantasy world for us to explore with Phantaxians, Dissident, Light-bringers, and more with fun twists like the characters riding shaghounds rather than horses. And with a fun, colorful, and highly creative group of side characters it isn't hard to see how book two will develop into something even more.
dnf
September 28, 2020I received an eARC as part of a blog tour I'm no longer part of, in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
DNF at 37%
One of the major ideas in this book was a man living with a demon-thing (I suspect the what would have been revealed if I'd read on) inside him, and it causes him to black out - committing awful acts as he does. The dynamic with this voice in his head and the mystery of the black outs is what kept me reading.
I also really appreciated how unrepentantly broken all the characters were. They weren't heroes who were blaming themselves for bad accidents, but characters who knew they'd made awful choices and done horrible things. They were dark grey, and it made their potential arcs more exciting.
However, these two aspects weren't enough to keep me reading. There was just way, way too much happening in this book without enough explanation. The world building is, frankly, pretty non-existent. All these new fantasy words and no backing up what they are. Did it take me 30% to work out that the Phantax-thingies were potentially actually a people not a religion? I have no idea how long ago they fell, because it seemed like they were referred to as long-extinct and also currently around? It didn't help that different POVs had different opinions on the world.
There were also a LOT of POVs. I lost track pretty quickly, but beyond the main two there were several other characters that said things but I'm not sure why. At least there were semi-obvious links between most of them, even if the characters weren't adding to the story. One was... there to be a crass diversion? Another to add *stakes* with vague warnings?
The issue was that there wasn't enough grounding in any POV to really connect or work out what was happening. Events seemed to fall into characters' laps. Go into self-imposed exile because everyone hates you? Well then, you'll stumble right into the arms of an aunt and then into the underworld to find out crucial information, and then you'll easily return to the place everyone "hates" you.
It simply all felt too slap-dash and unset up a story for me to bother keep reading.
DNF at 37%
One of the major ideas in this book was a man living with a demon-thing (I suspect the what would have been revealed if I'd read on) inside him, and it causes him to black out - committing awful acts as he does. The dynamic with this voice in his head and the mystery of the black outs is what kept me reading.
I also really appreciated how unrepentantly broken all the characters were. They weren't heroes who were blaming themselves for bad accidents, but characters who knew they'd made awful choices and done horrible things. They were dark grey, and it made their potential arcs more exciting.
However, these two aspects weren't enough to keep me reading. There was just way, way too much happening in this book without enough explanation. The world building is, frankly, pretty non-existent. All these new fantasy words and no backing up what they are. Did it take me 30% to work out that the Phantax-thingies were potentially actually a people not a religion? I have no idea how long ago they fell, because it seemed like they were referred to as long-extinct and also currently around? It didn't help that different POVs had different opinions on the world.
There were also a LOT of POVs. I lost track pretty quickly, but beyond the main two there were several other characters that said things but I'm not sure why. At least there were semi-obvious links between most of them, even if the characters weren't adding to the story. One was... there to be a crass diversion? Another to add *stakes* with vague warnings?
The issue was that there wasn't enough grounding in any POV to really connect or work out what was happening. Events seemed to fall into characters' laps. Go into self-imposed exile because everyone hates you? Well then, you'll stumble right into the arms of an aunt and then into the underworld to find out crucial information, and then you'll easily return to the place everyone "hates" you.
It simply all felt too slap-dash and unset up a story for me to bother keep reading.
October 7, 2020
I read this book for a blog tour, so a big thank you to the blog tour organiser I would never have heard of this book without him and also thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
So lets get straight to the point: If you are looking for something simple and straightforward move right along, because this one is not for you! If on the other hand you are looking for a complex multi layered, multi POV dark fantasy with alternative timelines and deep characters and world building then step on up because this the book you are looking for.
I can’t go into detail without spoiling the plot, the best I can say is there really is a lot going on here. In fact the main reason it is 4 stars rather than 5 is it is not what you would call a relaxing read. You really do need to concentrate. At times I found myself a little confused (probably my own fault really) and actually need to read a couple of pages twice, but I don’t want to fault the author for this. I mean can you fault the Lord of the Rings because there is too much going on?
I think its particularly impressive that this is self-published. There are a lot of dogs out there in the self-published world, but this one is a real shining beacon and deserves to get more attention.
So lets get straight to the point: If you are looking for something simple and straightforward move right along, because this one is not for you! If on the other hand you are looking for a complex multi layered, multi POV dark fantasy with alternative timelines and deep characters and world building then step on up because this the book you are looking for.
I can’t go into detail without spoiling the plot, the best I can say is there really is a lot going on here. In fact the main reason it is 4 stars rather than 5 is it is not what you would call a relaxing read. You really do need to concentrate. At times I found myself a little confused (probably my own fault really) and actually need to read a couple of pages twice, but I don’t want to fault the author for this. I mean can you fault the Lord of the Rings because there is too much going on?
I think its particularly impressive that this is self-published. There are a lot of dogs out there in the self-published world, but this one is a real shining beacon and deserves to get more attention.
October 14, 2020
DNF @42%
Book source ~ Tour
The land of Ariath is suffering a plague. There are many characters trying to stop it. There’s a magical sword called The Keepers’ Wrath that’s supposed to be reforged so Ariath can go back to being normal. That’s it. That’s all I got.
There are so many characters in this and they have similar names. There are many places and they also have similar names. I have no idea how this plague started or even what kind it is. I’ve tried to work my way through this but at 42% I’m still so confused. I know that epic fantasy usually does this to me. It takes me a bit to get all the names down and where the story is headed. This is a “fault” that lies solely with me. However, it doesn’t usually take me this long to have the AHAH moment and it all coalesces into a huge vibrant picture and I gallop off into the proverbial sunset with the characters. Besides the reasons I’ve already listed, I think it’s because the scenes seem a bit disjointed. There’s not really a smooth transition from one character to the next and each scene is just them running around without any real meat to why they are doing so. I know that my fellow tour bloggers have enjoyed the book, so my review is in the minority. That’s not to say it’s not a great book for other readers. I just couldn’t get into it. Even though I DNF'd I'm giving it a 2 for the creativity.
Book source ~ Tour
The land of Ariath is suffering a plague. There are many characters trying to stop it. There’s a magical sword called The Keepers’ Wrath that’s supposed to be reforged so Ariath can go back to being normal. That’s it. That’s all I got.
There are so many characters in this and they have similar names. There are many places and they also have similar names. I have no idea how this plague started or even what kind it is. I’ve tried to work my way through this but at 42% I’m still so confused. I know that epic fantasy usually does this to me. It takes me a bit to get all the names down and where the story is headed. This is a “fault” that lies solely with me. However, it doesn’t usually take me this long to have the AHAH moment and it all coalesces into a huge vibrant picture and I gallop off into the proverbial sunset with the characters. Besides the reasons I’ve already listed, I think it’s because the scenes seem a bit disjointed. There’s not really a smooth transition from one character to the next and each scene is just them running around without any real meat to why they are doing so. I know that my fellow tour bloggers have enjoyed the book, so my review is in the minority. That’s not to say it’s not a great book for other readers. I just couldn’t get into it. Even though I DNF'd I'm giving it a 2 for the creativity.
November 13, 2019
It is difficult for me to read this genre as it can take time to settle and feel comfortable within worlds and language that are completely different from that which I inhabit. Yet, the author has created a world that brings you in and envelops you convincingly, even though what is reliable is unclear and in which we travel through shifting realities within the principal characters’ minds compelling us to keep reading, leaving us slightly off balance, and excited, awaiting the next volume.
February 1, 2020
Very entertaining
What a wonderful debut novel. Stunning imagination and well developed characters make this story Truely unique. Throw in a interesting magic system,gods, demons and a very cryptic way of telling a story . The author throws you into the middle of the story and let's you make sense of what's going on. Definitely requires a little thinking.
What a wonderful debut novel. Stunning imagination and well developed characters make this story Truely unique. Throw in a interesting magic system,gods, demons and a very cryptic way of telling a story . The author throws you into the middle of the story and let's you make sense of what's going on. Definitely requires a little thinking.
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