Review: Silence is Silver by Andrew Watson
Blurb:
The Urdahl believe pain is inevitable. But if one can lean into that suffering they can achieve anything.
Beneath the desert sands, Bas has spent his entire life training to become a fully-fledged Urdahl. And now his time has come to prove his worth. First, he must drink from the Seeing Bowl to clear his clouded mind and witness visions bestowed to him by ancient deities. Next, he must prove strength of body with the Passage of the High Pass. But destiny is shrouded in red and strength of arm will not be enough to survive its true tests.
Will he ascend to a full Urdahl or will his visions of blood come to pass?
The turning season has begun.
Taking place before the events of the Shadowbinders trilogy, "Silence is Silver" is a novella for both old and new readers.
Review:
A Journey into the Heart of the Sands
I'm always on the hunt for those hidden gems, those stories that grab you by the throat and refuse to let go. I've always had a soft spot for novellas. There's something about their concise nature that appeals to me. It's like a perfectly distilled shot of a story, packing a powerful punch in a smaller package. My expectations for novellas are simple: strong world-building, characters that resonate, and a satisfying arc, all delivered without wasting a single word. And let me tell you, Andrew Watson's Silence is Silver, a novella set in the Harbinger of Justice universe, not only met these expectations, it shattered them.
Echoes of the Past, Whispers of Promise
I thoroughly enjoyed Harbinger of Justice, so I was eager to return to Watson's Ancient Egypt-inspired world. What I didn't expect was to fall so completely in love with Silence is Silver. This novella takes a culture that previously existed on the periphery of the main story and thrusts it into the spotlight, revealing the rich tapestry of its past and current state of things. It's a huge flex for Watson's storytelling prowess; he manages to craft such a compelling narrative around a character I barely knew before. It felt like discovering a hidden treasure, a secret story waiting to be told.
Sands of Fate, Whispers of the Desert
The desert setting of Silence is Silver is more than just a backdrop; it's a character in itself. Watson's descriptions are really, really cool, painting a vivid picture of a harsh yet beautiful landscape. I was immediately transported to those scorching sands, the vast emptiness echoing the protagonist's inner turmoil. It reminded me of the stark beauty of Dune, but with a distinctly Egyptian flavor. This evocative setting, combined with Watson's intricate world-building and the peculiar civilization at the heart of the story, created a truly immersive experience. It wasn't just reading about this world; I was in it, feeling the grit of the sand between my teeth and the weight of the sun on my skin. The way the fantastical elements intertwined with this tangible reality was seamless, making the magic feel real and the world feel alive.
Trials of Worth, Whispers of Culture
The culture explored in Silence is Silver is a masterpiece of world-building. Watson has crafted a society with unique customs, beliefs about family and self-worth, and a brutal system of trials and demotions. I was fascinated by the intricacies of this culture, the way it shaped the protagonist's worldview and dictated their every action. The novella format, rather than being a limitation, allowed for a focused exploration of these cultural nuances. It felt like a deep dive into the heart of this society, revealing its secrets and complexities with every turn of the page.
A Masterful Stroke, Whispers of Skill
I'll be honest, I'm a bit picky when it comes to novellas. I often find it difficult to connect with characters and become invested in a world in such a short space. It can feel rushed, like a story crammed into a box that's too small. But Watson's expert craftsmanship in Silence is Silver completely blew me away. The pacing is absolutely perfect, a delicate balance of plot, character development, and world-building. Not a single word is wasted. By the time I reached the ending, I was completely hooked, my heart pounding in my chest as I followed the protagonist's perilous journey.
A Silver Lining, A Bitter End, Whispers of Emotion
The final sequence of Silence is Silver is a whirlwind of emotion, brutal fights, and a plot twist that left me reeling. I mean, wow. I don't want to give anything away, but let's just say it's an ending that will stay with me for a long time. It's dark, it's painful, and yet, it's utterly satisfying. Watson is a skilled writer. Even with such a devastating conclusion, I felt a sense of closure, a feeling that I had witnessed something truly special. The emotional impact of the ending was immense, leaving me breathless and in awe of what Watson had accomplished.
A Rising Star, Whispers of Growth
Andrew Watson's growth as an author is remarkable. Silence is Silver showcases his strengths in a way that Harbinger of Justice, while really good, only hinted at. He has a gift for description, bringing his world to life with vivid imagery and evocative prose. His action scenes are visceral and impactful, they convey the brutality and emotional stakes of each encounter. But it's not just the action; it's the way he weaves the action into the fabric of the story, making every fight meaningful and consequential. And the plot! It's intricate and satisfying, delivering a powerful narrative punch that belies the novella's concise format. He's a master of maximizing every word, proving that big stories can be told in small packages. Silence is Silver isn't just a good novella; it's a textbook accomplishment in novellas writing.
I highly recommend it, not just to fans of the Harbinger of Justice universe, but to anyone who loves a good fantasy story. And if you haven't read Harbinger of Justice yet, what are you waiting for? Go, read them both. You won't regret it.
