The Conqueror’s Shadow by Ari Marmell is a fantasy novel that is vastly different than
your typical sword and sorcery fantasy hero style story. Corvis Rebaine was the
most feared conqueror in the land until 17 years ago when he vanished as his
mighty army collapsed. Just before he disappeared, Corvis took a young woman
hostage. What most people of this world do not know is that Corvis and this
young woman eventually fell in love. Corvis retired and decided to raise a
family in the middle of nowhere.
He is content to live a life of peace
and seclusion until his daughter is attacked by the army of the latest evil
conqueror seeking to rule the land. Corvis must gather his former allies that
he abandoned to rally to his banner again against this new evil. He must face a
conqueror that is younger than him and reminiscent to the violent and cruel man
he was many years ago. Can he stay true to the man he is now, or will he revert
to his old ways? Is his darkness gone or has it been asleep this whole time?
The book is told in a strange way
that may annoy you or you might find intriguing. Most of the chapters start
with a flashback 17 years ago before resuming to the present-day storyline. The
theme of change, that the past is prologue, that the government is so divided
it is to the point of being ineffective, that the rich do not care about the
poor, and more are discussed. Despite the fact the book was written ten years ago
and set in a fantasy world, the book resonates for readers of this time who are
going through much because of the incompetence of our own pollical leadership.
If one is looking for a fantasy book
from an anti-hero perspective this is the perfect book for that. If one is
looking for a main character who does horrible things, but for good reasons, this
is a good choice. Full of mystery, action, and adult content, The
Conqueror’s Shadow by Ari Marmell is the first installment of a fantasy
series that is original to this author. Instead of the previous collaborations
he has done in various ways with other authors, this is his own solo project
and very good with complicated characters, imaginative world building and
plenty of action and adventure. I highly recommend this book.
My print copy came by way of the
Downtown Branch of the Dallas Public Library before the system was closed due
to virus concerns. Book two in the series, Warlord’s Legacy, was
publishing in January 2011 and is in my holds list at the library for when they
finally can reopen.
Scott A.
Tipple ©2020
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