Review: A Memory of Song: First Verse of the Last Ballad by Scott Palmer

Blurb:

In a dying land, the armies of the dead hold sway. And those who rule them are more god than human.

James Culdaine, the last heir of the Northern Throne, was just a young man when the armies of the South murdered his parents and subjugated his lands. He has never forgotten those responsible, nor has he forgiven. He has spent the last ten years living in isolation with The Feldarra; a sacred Northern clan of fierce warriors, led by the fearless Wulfee who, still reeling from the loss of her own children, finds new meaning in protecting what only family she has left.

Now, an ancient order of warlocks has returned to the North, singing dark songs composed of blood magic that null the elements and threaten all that is living.

With nature depleted and the Southern armies returning to the North, James struggles to embrace the unique power he has long tried to repress; the ability to commune with the spirits of the dead. In the bitter heart of a growing war, with the world dying around them, James and Wulfee desperately seek answers, vengeance, and a way to save the ones they love... No matter the cost.

Fires refuse to burn. The skies are thirsty and breathless. The earth won’t eat its rot…

Welcome to Ardura.

Review:

From indie author Scott Palmer comes his debut fantasy novel which promises to ensnare its readers and never let go. Palmer has meticulously crafted an expansive world and its rich history, complete with a dazzling yet dark magic system and a cast of diverse characters that will remain with you even after finishing the last page. Get ready to immerse yourself in a tale filled with twists, danger, and death at every turn. Do not miss out on the opportunity to discover the enthralling world Palmer has created- it’s a journey you won’t soon forget!

The overall theme of AMOS is dark, violent, and bloody, drawing on influences from Celtic myths and shamanism. Palmer has pitched it as “Braveheart and A Song of Ice and Fire meets Stephen King.” The world you are transported to is suffering from a cataclysmic event known as “Starfall” where in the aftermath the earth is dying and all of nature and the elements have been depleted. Since the book kicks off with a bang, readers are thrust into a new and unfamiliar world and will learn about its lore and history through scenes of action. This approach gives the book prefect pacing from beginning to end.

“Let’s play a game,” said James. “Let’s see if you can survive out here, alone. Let’s see what kind of person you are.”

Palmer’s character building is masterful. He has crafted the perfect balance between giving the reader just the right amount of detail while also leaving them guessing until the precise moment when something far more grand is revealed. Not everyone is as they appear to be as readers form options on every individual they encounter. There is a diverse cast of characters that span many races, species, and ages. Since the development is a steady pace, the characters readers encounter will stick with them, even after turning the book’s last page. The two main protagonists, Wulfee and James, are pushed to their breaking points as each of them strive to protect their loved ones and seek revenge through a path soaked in blood. 

AMOS is full of ancient magics, many of which are fresh and unique. From consuming the souls of the dead, to singing songs full of dark and twisted blood magics, Palmer has created a system that is both beautiful yet haunting. The descriptive writing of the magic readers encounter paints a vivid picture as they are transported into the very heart of the story. 

“Death filled him and brought coldness that he’d told himself he would never put himself through again as long as he lived.”

This book is a dynamite five-star read that any dark fantasy fan will love and enjoy. The story does not let up and keeps you in its grasp until the very end. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you laugh, make your stomach turn, and might even bring a tear to your eye. I cannot wait for the next installment in The Last Ballad series. Mark my words: Scott Palmer is gearing up to be the next big name in dark fantasy.