Review: Whispers of the Storm by Z.B. Steele
Blurb:
REDLIN OF THE WOLVES
VANGUARD, LEGEND, ASSASSIN, REAPER
Listen to my story:
I wasn't always the monster they see me as. Half of the songs they sing are stories of my grandeur. The other half are tales of my misdeeds.
The sad truth is that they're all true.
So, listen to my tale and learn why it all happened. Learn the reason for the war, the reason for all the death.
Listen to my tale and listen well. I won't be alive long enough to tell it again.
A moody, banter-laced, violent, and poetic framed story - Z.B. Steele presents Whispers of the Storm, book one of Song of the Damned.
Review:
There are few words that can accurately describe this wonderful novel. I have thought for a bit on how to accurately portray my thoughts and feelings, and so I give my humble attempt. This novel is one that will stick in your brain, encouraging you to keep reading. It will make time vanish with just a brief inhalation of breath as the scenes that unfold before the reader steal that same breath with a shock. I believe that Z.B. Steele has created a world that will be remembered with the likes of Anthony Ryan and many others. It truly is that good. I added it to my most anticipated list as soon as I saw the cover and read the description, knowing full well that I had set a high bar for it. Needless to say, it surpassed all expectations.
The strength of the novel are the characters. It is told from the perspective of one main character, but each one that is placed in the pages finds a way to latch hold of a reader's mind and heart. It is a great skill for an author to create such memorable characters and this is done in spades all throughout the book. It did not matter whether it was a friend or foe, they are so realistic that each character will do things that are good and bad. Each of them hold their own in the story, encouraging the reader to fall into the depths of their world. The pacing of the novel is good, but I can see where some readers might find the setting of a school to be a tad slower, but I found no issues with it whatsoever. It beautifully set the stage for each of the brutal fight scenes that come into play. The world is slowly brought into focus through the eyes of the character and it seems to grow in depth just as the character does. I can’t wait to experience more of it, knowing that there is a lore that is deep and intriguing just waiting to be discovered. Equal to the world, is the interesting magic that is played out in front of us. I loved the consequence of using it and can see (or guess) at many different paths that it can take us to in future installments.
I have seen the hype for this novel and I wholeheartedly add my small voice to the chorus of many that are singing its praises. This novel is the beginning of a dark but beautiful journey that will live in the minds of many for years to come. Fans of dark fantasy will be enthralled and jumping in line to discover more of what is in store for the characters and the world. There are many comparisons that can be made, but I would rather use the strength of the novel to stand on its own, carving the path it deserves. I feel as if these few words are inadequate to fully describe how invested I was in consuming each word of the novel. Hopefully they are enough to help others to discover a world teeming with danger and love, loyalty and betrayal, and so much more. It really is that good.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
