Info

This post is auto-generated from RSS feed BOOK RIOT. Source: Hard Magic, Great World Building, and a Complicated Anti-Colonialism Story

When you read a lot of fantasy books like I do, you start to see patterns. Whether it’s the world-building or the magic systems or the stories, you see books trying to replicate the brilliance of Tolkien and the success of Sanderson. I’m not knocking either of those authors, and their influence is powerful. But when a book comes along as an epic fantasy that completely breaks that mold AND delivers a great story? I take notice.

The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi Enter The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi, the first in the Ending Fire trilogy. It’s set in a harsh world, where people are segregated by the color of their blood. Those with red blood rule. Those with blue blood are peasants. And with clear blood? Their hand and tongues are removed, enslaved for their whole lives as some eternal penance for a long-ago failed rebellion. The story that unfolds circles around three women, one of each color blood, and how their worlds collide.

The magic system is intricate, based on blood and runes, with every clear rule and system in place that must be taught and practiced. The world-building is deep and complicated, oppressive and forcing itself upon the story like the desiccating winds that sweep across the continent every night. But more than anything, it’s the powerful anti-colonial story that takes center stage.

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. 🏷️ Books_feed