Monday 6 November 2023

Book Review: The Darkness Before Them (The Soulfire Saga #1) by Matthew Ward (Fantasy)

Title: The Darkness Before Them (The Soulfire Saga #1)
Author: Matthew Ward
Publisher: Orbit
Publication Date: 7 November 2023
Pages: 538
Format: eBook - EPUB
Genre: Fantasy
Source: ARC via Edelweiss

These are dark times for the Kingdom of Khalad. As the magical mists of the Veil devour the land, the populace struggles beneath the rule of ruthless noble houses and their uncaring immortal king.

Kat doesn’t care about any of that. A talented thief, she’s pursuing one big score that will settle the debt that destroyed her family. No easy feat in a realm where indentured spirits hold vigil over every vault and treasure room. However, Kat has a unique she can speak to those spirits, and even command them. And she has no qualms using her power to her advantage.

Kat’s not a hero. She just wants to be free. To have her old life back. But as rebellion rekindles and the war for Khalad’s future begins, everyone—Kat included—will have to pick a side.

 

The Darkness Before Them offered an entertaining opening volume to a new fantasy series. The premise for the story was interesting and the world building was nicely handled, information always presented when needed without info dumping. The characters too were interesting, though I cared about some more than others. Once or twice I felt my attention drift slightly, but it soon picked up again and the pacing was generally good throughout. When I reached the end of the last chapter I was still keen to find out what would happen next. Overall, I am giving this book four stars.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. 

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