"I think this may be of interest for fans of ‘The Song of Ice and Fire’ Books in terms of format and genre, and Prince Magnus certainly seems to give Joffrey a run for his money."
Available on Paperback and Kindle from Amazon.
The foundation of a well-built epic fantasy series. The Strains of Malice: Part 1: Spite by Andrew Beardmore is the first in a five book series that follows the people of Thera. A great threat is coming, but amongst this are the trials and tribulations of Emperors, Princes, Princesses and men. This first book is a solid foundation that introduces you to the different storylines the series will follow, from Emilya and Jake’s run from the vindictive and sinister Pince Magnus to Coal Cutters Davy and Will’s life working in the mines. As it is the first book in the series, we do not yet know if, when or how the stories of these 10 different characters will cross.
The book begins with some in depth world building. You don’t just get a map at the start of this book but information about temperatures and climates across Thera, the planetary system and the light, solar cycles and seasons. This sets the tone for the rest of the book, and demonstrates the time and dedication put into creating a very believable world. Because of the order that the key characters in this series are introduced, I find I am more drawn to some stories than others. As we learn more about Emilya, Jake and Alicya for example, I feel I have more of a connection to them and want to see where their stories lead. For the characters such as Draxaelen, a former general now enslaved and Princess Madeleina, being trapped into a marriage of political value, although we haven’t learned too much about them yet, I am curious to see where their stories lead.
This is an authentic and well developed epic fantasy world with lots of heroes to root for and villains to dislike. I think this may be of interest for fans of ‘The Song of Ice and Fire’ Books in terms of format and genre, and Prince Magnus certainly seems to give Joffrey a run for his money. The overarching feeling this book left me with is curiosity about what is to come and how the different storylines will tie together. However, I think that this is a strong start for the rest of the series.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Fantasy |
| Recommendations: |
This is a great opening novel.
This is a great opening novel. I have read George RR Martin, John Gwynne and David Gemmell amongst others. I read widely across various genres including classic literature. This book is original fiction it is not a copy of anyone I have read. It takes place in a plausible fictional world and whilst likely to appeal to fans of the authors mentioned in my opinion it will appeal to a far wider reading audience. If fantasy fiction is not usually your thing do not be put off there are no dragons in this book and everything you read you feel could happen and has some scientific basis. The back cover describes the book as "Poldark meets gladiator...on another world".... Read Full Review
An epic of a fantasy that readers will totally immerse themselves in.
This is the first of a five book series which s something to get excited about. A great threat is coming to the people of Thera. This is a fantasy world and essentially good and evil. This book is the lynch pin to introducing the reader to many different characters and storylines in which the reader will wonder how these characters and stories inter twine.
The reader is in for a treat as this is going to be a long journey and the author prepares the reader with a map and information on the environment in Thera, and shows just how much the author has attention to detail and will keep their readers enthralled living and breathing this fantasy world.... Read Full Review
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