Review by Booklist Review
Brothers Banron and Emrael Ire are outcasts at their school. They are the sons of a failed rebel leader as well as poor nobles. Ban is an impressive builder of devices through which anyone can access and use magic, whereas Emrael's goal is to become a Master of War. During a head-to-head competition with his chosen teacher, Jaina, a force that Emrael barely understands attacks and kidnaps his brother. Emrael, Jaina, and a friend, Elle, are able to escape. They slowly begin to realize that this attack is an attempt to unify countries for money and power. They also realize that the attackers are using very old methods to bind individuals to their will; this magic hasn't been seen outside the Dark Lands in years. Emrael really only cares about saving his brother, even as his magic is awakened and a romance with Elle develops. In his debut novel, the first book in an epic fantasy trilogy, Drakeford crafts a complex geopolitical environment, and Emrael is a joy to follow and root for.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Plural title aside, Drakford's bracing epic fantasy debut and trilogy launch focuses on the rise of a singular challenger to an imprisoned and vengeful god. Emrael Ire, refugee son of an exiled general and a powerful healer, struggles to earn his Master of War title, while his brother, Ban, studies the art of Crafting, channeling infusori magic into artifacts. Then the ambitions of a governor to become king of the United Provinces and the escape of an imprisoned deity bring about a war that sweeps across continents. Triggered by this desperate situation, Emrael's latent, unique ability to directly handle infusori makes itself known--and makes him a target for both the witchcraft-hating Watchers and the eerie Malithii priests who serve the Fallen God. Drakeford takes great care with the intricacies of sword fighting and castle storming, as well as Emrael's conflicted feelings over his legacy as both his father's heir and a mage. Less developed are his positive emotional bonds with companions and potential love interests, and without these connections, he comes across as angsty, awkward, and self-involved. Still, it's an immersive world epic fantasy fans will be glad to return to. Agent: Matt Bialer, Sanford J. Greenburger Assoc. (Jan.)
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