*I received a free copy of this book via the author in exchange for an honest review*



Real life really got in the way of reading this book which is a shame because at another point in life I think I would have flown through this! I've read a few of Jesse Teller's books now and I think this is my favourite so far.



It's another strong opening in Liefdom as we are introduced to a royal child fighting for life as it is born. The book is a little bit of a departure from generic fantasy in that the sett

*I received a free copy of this book via the author in exchange for an honest review*



Real life really got in the way of reading this book which is a shame because at another point in life I think I would have flown through this! I've read a few of Jesse Teller's books now and I think this is my favourite so far.



It's another strong opening in Liefdom as we are introduced to a royal child fighting for life as it is born. The book is a little bit of a departure from generic fantasy in that the setting is both Perilisc - the setting for Teller's other books and the land of the fey. A realm where fairies and other mythical creatures exist. There is a relationship between the two worlds in that each fairy has a human child and the fate of the fairy is inextricably linked to the fate of the child. If a fairy is injured the child is lamed. If a human is wicked the fairy changes to. The story takes place in the two worlds where events in one world have significant consequences in another.



The (anti) hero of the fey is Gentry Mandrake - a fairy who is depicted as fearsome and ugly, cast aside by other fairies. He is rage and aggression itself. In Perilisc itself lives an evil wizard, Vrice. He feels very much like a 'classic' Teller character. He is sickness, cruelty and evil. Vrice is summoning the son of the devil to release the terrors of Hell. The scene were he completes his ritual is wickedness exemplified. Vrice, and his fairy's degeneration are wonderful. I think Teller does 'sickness of the soul' very well.



This may sound a bit weird but I think this book is a little 'tamer' than the other Perilisc books, sure there is rape, torture and violence but it isn't incessant and as such I think a stronger story comes out of it. One area which I think definitely could do with development is the supporting cast of characters - they are introduced, one or two crop up in other books but we don't know much about them. We just have to accept them as they are. This isn't a book of boring info dumps but I think I would appreciate Teller expounding a little on the characters back story and motivations when they crop up. It's a little disconcerting as you feel the author knows more than is let on. The story is pretty fast paced - it does feel a little 'railroady' towards the end, especially when Mandrake is on the mission to find out how to stop an imp but it's plenty of fun.



Mandrake is also a character of love. He is born how he is, for a purpose, not for beauty but for war. And yet, he is selfless in his love. His love for his family, his kind, his home, his love but most of all his child. Even when he could unleash hell on his home after being banished he still treats it with love. It's also a story of romance and seeing beauty 'within'. The tenderness between Pea and Mandrake is beautiful and I really liked the contrast of the 'stink' of Mandrake and the beautiful world he lives in.



I also want to give a mention to Trevonne - a trainee wizard who I have now seen in three books now. I think I am quite captivated by her. Her motives aren't always inherently 'good', she is torn between power and friendship, lust and love. I wonder who the author sees when he thinks of Trevonne? She's certainly interesting.



This is a solid, imaginative story showing a creative mind and the ability to maintain two distinct worlds and stories together. It's still gritty and violent, it's still 'heroic bloodshed' but there is space for love, tenderness and beauty. I think there is plenty of scope for more work in the land of the fey. Recommended and I think I'm becoming a bit of a fan.

