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We Ride the Storm by Devin Madson (The Reborn Empire: Book One)
We Ride the Storm by Devin Madson is a fantastic novel with amazing characters. The environment seems vibrant and lively while also remaining enigmatic. I discovered that I was reading well into the night and was reluctant to put the book down. It has the kind of plot that captivates you from the beginning to the end. It is, in a word, masterful.
With three views and telling each one in the first person, Madson employs a novel narrative technique. This was in no way perplexing or distracting to me. Each character is given a distinct voice, so after the first few phrases of each chapter, I knew whose perspective I was reading. It’s actually astonishing how well Madson describes the individual you’re reading about in just a few phrases. She has created a world that is distinctive as well. Perhaps Madson’s greatest strength is creating cultures. The novel includes representations of three different cultures, and each one feels distinct, vibrant, and interesting.
In fantasy literature, it can be challenging to create just one plausible society; yet, Madson has created three in only one novel. She deserves praise just for accomplishing this. One of the most intriguing and distinctive cultures I’ve read about is the Levanti. But she has also created three credible characters in addition to this. Although Rah and Princess Miko struck a chord with me the most, Cassandra didn’t quite have the same impact on me. Each of these three provides a fascinating viewpoint on the world that We Ride the Storm brings to life. Even when they appear to be working against one another, you can still tell what drives each character.
Beyond this, you care about each of them, their circumstances, and your desire for their success. However, as the narrative develops, success for one character may inevitably equal defeat for another, which can produce internal conflict. However, Madson skillfully exploits this tension to create a story that is not just entertaining but also riveting and emotional.
There aren’t many flaws in this book, in my opinion. As someone who loves magic in his fiction, I would have loved to have seen a little more magic in this book because there isn’t much of it. But what is there is so alluring and obviously alludes to a profound and intricate enchantment in the world that Madson is only just beginning to unveil. The majority of the characters were masterfully created. I adored the three viewpoint characters, as I’ve already indicated, and found myself rooting for each of them. But several of the supporting cast members were also excellently developed. I did felt that one or two of them were a touch flat or underdeveloped. But when I was reading, I hardly noticed this.
You should buy this book. It’s a masterclass in captivating fantasy, from the characters to the world-building to the plotting and pacing. We Ride the Storm is one of the best debuts I’ve ever read, and it’s a narrative you shouldn’t miss. In due time, Madson will undoubtedly join the genre’s luminaries.
The Review
We Ride the Storm
8.5 Score
We Ride the Storm is set after the events in The Vengeance Trilogy. It’s not necessary to read those books before plunging into The Reborn Empire series, but it helps to understand what’s happening at the beginning of the story. And might give a better sense of the world, since we are pretty much thrown in the middle of things. Although eventually things will clear up.
PROS
- Great grimdark novel.
- A Magnificent Story.
- Intense and interesting.
- This is damned good fantasy!
CONS
- Too Much Unnecessary Vulgarity.
- Couldn't get into it.
- Ultimately unfulfilling.
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