Sometimes I get a hollow feeling when a story finishes with a big battle. After such a protracted buildup, it’s satisfying to read a climactic payoff, but I find myself curious about what happens after the battle. How will the new administration function? What kind of disposition do people have? Can two antagonistic nations put their enduring differences aside and work toward peace? These battles’ aftermaths are filled with intriguing narratives, and I’d be interested in reading more about the challenges of forming cross-cultural bonds.
The Black Coast jumps right to this time of recovery. One kingdom is split along religious lines, as evidenced by the wildly divergent cultural ideals, linguistic honorifics, and social customs, A group of foreigners who were formerly rivals and raiders now want to dwell peacefully among these kingdoms. There is a lot of heat in this melting pot. However, the points of view from both side demonstrate that they are attempting to serve the interests of their own citizens, and many cannot be blamed for being afraid, indignant, or reactionary. It’s interesting material.
As the book progresses, the plot’s threads form a larger and larger tapestry as it covers all the key elements of what makes a compelling epic fantasy story. The book’s primary allure is its persistent attention to humanity’s fight to survive together in an increasingly uncomfortable environment. There are high levels of adventure, love, danger, politics, and other things.
An easy recommendation for a ground-breaking and insightful beginning to what appears to be an enormous fantasy series. I was smitten.
The Review
The Black Coast
I loved this book. From the introduction, where the reader learns that different cultures in this world have very different gender traditions, to the Raider ships landing not to conquer, but to settle, to the climactic battle where unusual alliances are formed.
PROS
- Breaks many fantasy tropes
- If you like Rothfuss you’ll like this.
- Politically Heavy-Handed in Places
- Great Epic Fantasy Series
CONS
- So woke it's trope is dope
- Takes too much time
- Slow and a bit disjointed