Review: Soul Cage by L.R. Schulz
Blurb:
Murder Breeds Magic
All power comes with a price. In a world where magic is transferred by the act of killing another, Myddrin stands above the rest. Having accidentally killed the most powerful mage in all of existence, Myddrin now lives a peaceful life in isolation. But there is no such thing as peace in the land of Otor. War calls. The voices of the dead haunt him, and there is nowhere to hide.
Cursed with the deathly taint of magic, young Will must seek acceptance among the Knights of Aen. There, he must learn to touch the otherside, control his abilities, and decide for himself what is right, and what is wrong.
Tvora’s soul is broken. The price of vengeance was her sanity. Her companions help her keep a tenuous grasp on herself, but with the urgent need to absorb enough magic to sustain them, she is pushed to choose a side in the upcoming war. The question remains, will she choose the right one?
Review:
Soul Cage is the first book within L.R Schulz's new Soulbreaker series. The captivating tale immerses you in a world where morality is tested and the consequences of a person's actions shape their destinies. There are 3 POVs Myddrin, Will and Tvora which Schulz uses to create a gripping narrative that explores the depth of human struggles and the pursuit of salvation amidst looming conflict.
When Cathron, the son of the evil warlord, returns with an army of soul hunters sparking an inescapable war, as he is out to achieve his fathers goal in ruling the lands. Myddrin, the most formidable mage, is drawn back into conflict to become the beacon of hope once more after defeating the evil warlord Doonaval. Meanwhile, Will, a knight in training, struggles to overcome his inner demons from past traumas however is still determined to prove his worth to his peers and admits the looming chaos. Finally Tvora, a soul broken woman who is holding onto her sanity via the help of her companions, finds herself entangled in the war, as she is torn between the moral dilemmas that confront her as she tries to obtain power to sustain her companions.
Luke Schulz masterfully intertwines the intricate magic system and lore into the fabric of the story, enhancing the immersion in his world. The fast pacing, coupled with the relatively short chapters, ensures that you are swept along on a thrilling journey, eagerly turning pages to uncover what happens next.
One of the highlights of Schulz's storytelling is his willingness to take risks, particularly his treatment of characters. While it is heartbreaking to read about the demise of a beloved character, it adds a layer of unpredictability and realism to the narrative, reinforcing the high stakes of war. Schulz’s character development is equally impressive, with each character being installed with a depth and complexity that makes them feel like real individuals battling with their own inner demons.
Amongst all the characters, Will is my favourite character as he is very relatable, his struggles with bullying and self-doubt resonated with me on a profound level. Schulz’s masterful handling of Will's character arc, from a vulnerable child to a formidable and revered warrior, is a testament to L.R Schulz as a storyteller. I can't wait to see how Schulz further Will’s character in future instalments.
Another character I have come to love is Mees, Myddrin’s hand/helper. At the start of the novel, Mees does not come across as very intriguing compared to other characters, even with his quips he exchanges with Myddrin, which makes them a likeable duo. However, Mees truly shines in the latter part of the book when he is forced to step in to help Myddrin and certain aspects of his former life come to light. This provides a sense of intrigue as you want to know how he came to be in the position he currently holds.
In conclusion, Soul Cage is a brilliant first iteration and highlights L.R Schulz talent as a writer. Soul Cage sets the bar high for future instalments offering a captivating blend of action, intrigue, magic, adventure and character driven story.
