Read my reviews of other books set in the world of Staria.
I’ve been addicted to every book set in this expansive and unique fantasy world since reading the first installment, The Traitor’s Mercy. I was incredibly impressed that two additional books featured redemption arcs for villains in the first book that absolutely worked, leaving me caring for and supportive of the characters. Since then, the authors have expanded significantly upon this world, giving us tales far beyond the borders of Staria with such incredible worldbuilding that the biological kink imperative that originally intrigued me about these books has become secondary in my interest in what comes next.
This latest book brings us right back to where everything started, providing another redemption arc that we didn’t even know we needed. It has always been too easy to lump Sabre’s younger sister into the same camp as his mother, assuming that both women were complicit in the scheme to overthrow the Starian crown. However, like Devon and Marius Chastain before him, the beginning of this book immediately reframes Eli de Valois’ potential role in the events that kicked off The Traitor’s Mercy. Our discovery that “Elise” is actually Eli does not convey immediate forgiveness, but instead sets up the framework to show how Eli became as much a victim of his mother’s manipulations as his father and brother.
Along with another emotional redemption arc, this book shows that there is even worldbuilding left to do for the mythology of simple-seeming agricultural Staria. Foxglove takes inspiration from elements of European folklore and gives it the same imaginative twist as the epic gods of greater Iperios, rooting Staria’s magic in the power of story itself. Eli is “rescued” (interpretations of this act may vary) from the grave by the king of the Wild Hunt and given a proper quest. However, Eli doesn’t consider himself any sort of hero, which makes his personality as a snarky bastard a joy to read as an anti-hero. His unintended partner-in-crime, Reynard the trickster god, is Eli’s perfect foil in both personality (he is an absolute delight) and as equally unintended romantic interest. Though their romance is secondary to the main quest that is equal parts epic and tragic, the connection that grows out of their friendship is as integral to the story (and as emotional) as Eli’s reunion with his brother Sabre.
My sole critique of this book is that I was so much more invested in the inevitable meetings between Eli and faces from his past than in the book’s actual climax involving the Wild Hunt. After all, we know that Eli and Rey will survive that battle and live happily ever after, in whatever form that may take. Resolution between Eli and Sabre (and certain other members of the Starian nobility) is less certain, leaving each confrontation fraught with potential.
Even though this book is written by half of the usual “Iris Foxglove” writing duo, the quality of both writing and storytelling lives up to all expectations. As much as I adore Sabre, I might have a new favorite de Valois, and I cross my fingers that Eli and Rey continue to show up across Iperios in other tales set in this expansive world, bringing with them the power of story and snark.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.